April 20, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release
MADISON, Wis. – The last time Minnesota United played in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match, the very trophy itself had been on the line. The Loons were finalists three years ago, the last time this tournament was held. They were unsuccessful on that day, losing 2-1 to Atlanta United. Today, however, Minnesota would get off to a successful start in the first step of this season’s journey with a largely comfortable 2-0 win over USL League One’s Forward Madison FC at Breese Stevens Field in Madison.
Minnesota used a rotated squad to start on a cold and rainy Wisconsin evening. Seven of Minnesota’s starting eleven had played in MNUFC2’s 4-0 win over Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, including goalscorers Nabi Kibunguchy and Adrien Hunou. Abu Danladi, who scored in Minnesota’s 3-1 win over Colorado on Saturday, completed a hat-trick of games in the week, playing in the MLS matchup, the NEXT Pro game, and the cup fixture.
From the beginning of the game, the Loons looked to manage possession and seek openings through a well-coordinated Flamingo defense. Hunou was the focal point of many of the first half’s key moments, looking for through-balls for his teammates to chase and coming the closest of any Loon to scoring with two chances in the 34th and 35th minutes.
In the first of those opportunities, Hunou was in position to volley a lucky deflection towards goal from inside the six-yard box, but Madison goalkeeper Phil Breno got there in time to block Hunou’s shot away. On the ensuing corner kick, Hunou got clear for a header, but was unable to direct it on target. His frustration was obvious at the time, but his reward would come after the halftime break.
Despite a 66%-34% lead in possession at the half and an almost complete stifling of any attempts by Madison to push forward (no pun intended), the game remained scoreless at the break, and as Chicago found out on Tuesday evening, a League One…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…