As Elton John made it known some time ago, Saturday night is, indeed, alright for a fight. And, that’s exactly what an incredibly raucous Allianz Field crowd got to witness, as the Loons stood toe-to-toe with visitors LAFC. While the boys certainly expected nothing less than a tough challenge from Carlos Vela and company, MNUFC was more than ready to throw down with the 2022 MLS champs. They would go blow-for-blow with LA’s highly-potent attack and show off some of the same attacking success they had in their win over Houston earlier in the week. In the end, a hard-fought effort from each squad would be reflected in the final scoreline, a 1-1 draw. 

Neither squad wasted much time feeling each other out, as both showed promising opportunities within the first 20 minutes of the first half. Unfortunately for the Loons, it would be LAFC that would land the first big proverbial punch in the 21st minute as Vela would just avoid Michael Boxall’s sliding challenge and get just enough space to angle a shot at the top of the box, putting it just out of reach of a hard-charging challenge from keeper Dayne St Clair. 1-0, Ferrell and friends. 

The Loons weren’t about to allow LAFC to get too comfortable with a lead. The Black and Blue would land a strike of their own in the 24th minute. It would be Kervin Arriaga’s lofted pass that would float like a butterfly over the heads of the LAFC defense, and Emanuel Reynoso’s beautiful one-timer that would sting LA keeper John McCarthy like a bee. 1-1, even.

The teams would head into the half still sitting steady at 1-1. When the second half action would resume, it would have that similar back-and-forth vibe, with each squad’s attack once again making numerous runs that would keep the pressure on each other’s defensive lines and have both keepers on their toes for the remainder of the match. But the Loons defensive front stood tall against LAFC’s dangerous attackers, and kept them from seeing much in the way of quality scoring looks.

The Loons attack did see its fair share of quality looks, most notably in the 79th minute when a Reynoso pass would find Bongi in close, only his shot flew just a bit too far right of the goal, giving LA a goal kick. While the Loons would have a few more so-so opportunities in the waning minutes of the match, none would find the net and the 1-1 scoreline would stand.

While taking three points from the defending champs would have been the ideal scenario, the Loons’ play showed great strength at both ends of the field. They fought hard with the best of the best and didn’t allow LAFC to spoil the night with any last-minute tomfoolery. The boys now must hit pause on league play and prepare for their first Leagues Cup match, as they will face Liga MX side Puebla next Sunday at Allianz Field.

UP NEXT

Minnesota United FC vs. Club Puebla

Allianz Field | St Paul, Minnesota

07.23.23 | Leagues Cup | Group Stage - Game #1

8:00 pm CT (Watch on AppleTV’s MLS Season Pass)