This was no ordinary game for Minnesota United. The team came off of a riveting 4-4 draw with the Portland Timbers that left them hungry for three points. To make things more interesting, yellow card accumulation meant that some major starters, including Emanuel Reynoso, Michael Boxall, and Robin Lod, would be out of the mix this game. Ongoing player injuries added to the difficulty, and the Loons were stuck with a thinner flock – which called for some creativity from the coaching staff. Ditching their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, the Loons opted for a 4-4-2. However, creativity wasn’t enough for a win in this case, and the final scorecard rested at 4-3 Colorado Rapids.

The game kicked off with a quick goal for the Loons. Abu Danladi scored off of a Fragapane corner kick in the 4th minute, and the thin flock was flying strong. MNUFC looked a little tentative when the half began – playing with a different roster and formation can certainly cause that. However, the Danladi goal added some confidence to the squad, and it appeared they might be able to relax into their roles.

The Rapids were clearly upset at the pace at which they gave one up and fought hard to win it back. Unfortunately for the Loons, the Rapids were successful and were able to answer in the 7th minute.

Diego Rubio had a low quick strike from outside the box that bobbled in Dayne St. Clair’s hands. Gyasi Zardes took advantage of that moment and poked the ball into the net. There was some speculation of illegally kicking the ball out of a keeper’s hands, but the goal stuck and the score was set at 1-1.

The goal shook the energy a bit and the Loons began playing on their back foot. Normally, that wouldn’t cause much damage, but the Rapids took full advantage and hit hard with lightning-quick transitions.

The Rapids were able to notch two more goals in the 11th and 15th minutes. A long throw into the box gave room for a header goal by Diego Rubio in the 11th, and a quick transition left Zardes open to a through ball in the 15th.

The rest of the half saw Colorado continuing their quick attack, and the Loons gradually gaining more traction on offense. In the 43rd minute, that traction paid off, and Luis Amarilla scored an impossible goal with a dart to the upper left corner of the net. Alan Benítez fed the ball to Amarilla from the right side of the box. Amarilla gave a quick back heel touch around a defender to open up space near the 6 and fired an incredible shot into the net.

Both teams continued their strong showing, but even with three minutes of added injury time, neither side was able to notch one, and the score at half was 3-2.

A lightning delay pushed the game back by about 90 minutes, which gave Minnesota United ample time to talk through their strategy and settle back into the match. There must have been some good conversations in the locker room because the Loons came out much stronger in the second half.

Play started with much more energy than the first half, and many more combinations made for dangerous plays on both sides. The Rapids had two major chances early on that were thwarted by St. Clair, and both he and the defense were looking strong.

The Rapids were able to break through the defensive wall in the 61st minute when Diego Rubio fired a rocket at the goal. St. Clair was able to make the stop, but the slick ball got away from him and Zardes was there to finish it – securing a stronger lead and a hat trick in the process.

Minnesota was playing hungry after the Rapids goal, not wanting to give up their seven-game unbeaten streak. A couple of big chances scattered throughout the half gave hope to that idea. Bongokuhle Hlongwane nearly had a header goal in the 81st minute that was saved by the Rapids keeper. A corner kick was awarded and Brent Kallman was able to find the net from a Nabilai Kibunguchy serve.

The energy after the goal was electric, and it seemed as if the Loons would find a way to keep their streak alive, especially with a few extremely close chances. However, the time ran out and the final score rested at 4-3.

Minnesota United now sits in 4th place in the Western Conference and will look to next Sunday’s match against Nashville to get back to their winning ways. Though a difficult end, it was a well-fought game, especially considering the added obstacles the boys faced. Now it’s time to fly home, get to work in training and prepare for next week.

UP NEXT

Nashville SC vs. Minnesota United FC

Geodis Park | Nashville, TN

08.14.22 | MLS Game 25

8:00 pm CT (MLS LIVE on ESPN+, Bally Sports North EXTRA,The CW - Twin Cities,1500 ESPN)