There may have been some concern about Minnesota United still feeling a bit soggy from their rain-soaked loss to Seattle. It definitely helped that a sun-soaked Allianz Field was a beautiful battleground for the Loons to put an end to their three-game losing streak in MLS regular season play. But, if patience is a virtue, let’s say the Loon faithful were extremely virtuous throughout a match that, once again, was not without its scoring opportunities.

The first half saw the Loons come out of the gates a bit out of sorts from a passing standpoint, but got more crisp as the half progressed. Which would come in handy with a Loons defense that was regularly holding near midfield. The strategy saw some success throughout the better part of the first half, and helped to create a number of quality looks at the Galaxy net. That said, it was a maddening number of attempts that came oh-so-ridiculously-close to finding the net. From Bongi to Boxy, Rey to DJ, Trapp to Lod…all great chances on goal, but all without any good luck to their favor.T

Maybe it was the double rainbow that emerged from the skies as the squads headed in for the half that was a sign of the Loons luck beginning to change. For reference:

Unfortunately, it simply meant there would be double the anxiety and occasional heartburn for the Wonderwall and company. In fact, let’s take this attempt from the 63rd minute of the 2nd half and consider it a microcosm of all the attempts on goal that just. Would. Not. Cooperate. Keeping things level at 0-0:

Then, in the 80th minute, a disastrous set of affairs took place, when after a defensive stand by Michael Boxtall, a video review was called. From the review, it determined that Boxy did indeed touch the ball with his hand, awarding a penalty kick and an unearned sense of accomplishment to LA, when Sacha Kjestan’s kick went left when Dayne went right. 

Despite the sun earlier in the evening, things were starting to look a bit bleak for MNUFC’s chances of scoring any points from this one. Fortunately, Robin Lod wasn’t hearing any of that noise, when he FINALLY got the solid boot from the middle of the box that would rocket past LA goalkeeper Jonathan Bond to bring the match even.

While nobody would fault the efforts of the Loons attack for their effort (as they did play their arses off), the offensive efforts of the squad aren’t looking to rely on luck for the rest of the MLS regular season. They have the talent and the athleticism to turn opportunity into victory. Hopefully, this Sunday’s game versus FC Dallas will have the squad making good on their drive to be more dangerous down the stretch.

UP NEXT

FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United FC

Toyota Stadium | Frisco, TX

05.22.22 | MLS Game 13

6:00 p.m. CT (MLS Live on ESPN+, Bally Sports North, The CW-TC, 1500 ESPN)