Minnesota United Falls to LAFC on the Road

May 30, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release

LOS ANGELES — Minnesota United fell to LAFC on the road, 2-0, Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. MNUFC returns home to face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, June 1 at Allianz Field in the second meeting of the season between the two Midwest squads.

10′ – Forward Teemu Pukki connected on a thru-ball on the left wing towards goal before making a run into the LAFC six-yard box. Pukki took a shot at close range that was deflected at goal, ultimately being sent above the crossbar and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

19′ – The Loons had their second scoring chance after midfielder Robin Lod gained possession off a rebounded ball outside the LAFC box. From distance, Lod’s shot curled past several defenders and was saved by Lloris to keep the score even.

28′ – Minnesota United defender Miguel Tapias connects a header from a midfielder Joseph Rosales corner kick, and the header made its way into the net. But, the line judge ruled that the corner kick had curled over the end line – in mid-air – upon service, ultimately negating the goal.

34′ – Cristian Olivera made a quick turn atop the semicircle of MNUFC’s goalkeeper box before firing off a shot that made its way just left of the post, resulting in one of LAFC’s best scoring opportunities of the first half.

37′ – DJ Taylor ran into the Minnesota box to assist on a defensive stop while Bouanga charged towards goal. Taylor clipped the heels of Bouanga and LAFC was awarded a penalty kick attempt following the foul.

38′ – Bouanga converted on the penalty kick attempt, finding the far corner of the net to give the home side the 1-0 lead.

58′ – LAFC defender Eddie Segura received a loose ball inside the middle of MNUFC’s box, firing off a close-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

70′ – Olivera found open space on the right flank and made an unmarked run at the Minnesota goal before taking a shot from approximately 10 yards out. The shot curled just wide of the far post, keeping the score at 1-0.

73′ – While holding consistent possession in MNUFC’s defensive third, Bouanga found himself in a dangerous position yet again, taking a shot at point-blank range right in front of St. Clair and the goal line, but the Canadian international keeper made the stop.

82′ – Mateusz Bogusz scores the second goal of the night from long distance, hitting the upper right-hand corner of the net to extend the home team’s lead.

GOAL SUMMARY

0-1 LAFC – Denis Bouanga…