October 30, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release
SANDY, Utah – Minnesota United defeated Real Salt Lake, 5-4, in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw in Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series at America First Field. Minnesota will head home to Allianz Field for Game 2 of the Best-of-3 Series on Saturday, November 2 against Real Salt Lake.
12′ – Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved Real Salt Lake’s first dangerous shot on goal after MNUFC committed a turnover in their defensive third. That turnover gave Salt Lake forward Dominik Marczuk space on the right flank to cross the ball into the 18-yard box, finding Diego Luna in the center of the box. But, the Canadian international goalkeeper was able to stretch out his left leg to save the close-range shot.
31′- MNUFC created their first scoring opportunity after Hassani Dotson crossed the ball from the right side of the pitch, where he found Robin Lod inside the 18-yard box. Lod under pressure laid it off to Kelvin Yeboah for a close-range shot but was blocked by Salt Lake’s defense.
47′ – Early into the second half, Minnesota found the counter attack after Lod picked off a Real Salt Lake pass. The 2024 All-Star took space up the pitch, passing it off to Kelvin Yeboah on the left side for a one-touch shot that was blocked by Zac MacMath.
49′ – Just two minutes later, Lod gained possession in the top left corner of RSL’s 18-yard box before he quickly tapped a pass deeper into the keeper’s box, connecting with midfielder Carlos Harvey. The Panamanian made an effort to chip a shot into goal, but the ball just barely passed the far post.
52′ – St. Clair was able to keep Salt Lake off the scoreboard after two consecutive saves. The Pickering native was caught in a one-versus-one with Luna after Minnesota’s back line fell flat, waiting for a free kick to be played. St. Clair, far off his line, was able to stop Luna’s shot and save another shot by Salt Lake off the rebound.
64′ – Salt Lake nearly scored after a cross into Minnesota’s box was settled by Jefferson Diaz, who tried playing the ball back to St. Clair but Marczuk intercepted the pass, for a shot but missed wide of the left post.
71′ – Minnesota continued to put pressure on MacMath after Yeboah ran onto a long ball gaining possession in their attacking third. He then found Tani Oluwaseyi for a one-on-one with MacMath, aiming straight towards the goalkeeper for an easy save.
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