MNUFC2 competed in a hard-fought match against North Texas SC on Saturday night to keep its playoff hope alive, but the Loons’ lone goal from Aziel Jackson wasn’t enough as Minnesota fell 2-1 at Allianz Field and were officially eliminated from MLS NEXT Pro playoffs contention.
MNUFC2 had solid control during the majority of the first 15 minutes of the match against North Texas, but the opposing side took advantage of open space in the box to score the opening goal in the 12th minute. Throughout the first half, the Loons recorded 11 shots (five on target), but finished the first 45 minutes without a goal. In the first minutes of the second half, Minnesota found its breakthrough when forward Tani Oluwaseyi connected a pass with midfielder Aziel Jackson in the box. Jackson finished the shot and scored the equalizer in the 49th minute. But, North Texas once again found their way behind the Loons back line and maneuvered a few passes in the box, with Isaiah Parker scoring the go-ahead goal, giving the visiting side the 2-1 advantage that remained as the final score.
With the loss, MNUFC2 remains in the sixth position in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference standings (8-9-5, 33 points) and is officially eliminated from playoff contention.
MNUFC2 next travels west to face Timbers2 on Sunday, September 11 at Hillsboro Stadium in Hillsboro, Oregon. Kick is set for 4:00 p.m. CT, and the contest will be streamed live at www.mlsnextpro.com.
GOALS
0-1 NTX – Bernard Kamungo, Assist by Collin Smith (12’)
1-1 MIN – Aziel Jackson, Assist by Tani Oluwaseyi (49’)
1-2 NTX – Isaiah Parker, Assist by Bernard Kamungo (55’)
DISCIPLINAIRY SUMMARY
Yellow, MIN – Ignacio Gutierrez (25’)
Yellow, NTX – Jose Mulato (45’+1’)
Yellow, NTX – Collin Smith (46’)
Yellow, MIN – Ignacio Gutierrez (63’)
Yellow, NTX – Antonio Carrera (90’+1’)
NOTABLE STATS
9 – MNUFC2 midfielder Aziel Jackson made nine key passes against North Texas SC. Jackson leads MLS NEXT Pro in that category with 62 total chances created.
23 – The Loons outshot North Texas 24-10 on Saturday night. Nine were on target for Minnesota.
TEAM LEADERS (Updated through September 3)
Goals – Aziel Jackson and Tommy Williamson (9)
Assists – Aziel Jackson (7)
Saves – Fred Emmings (45)
Wins – Fred Emmings & Alec Smir (3)
Shutouts – Eric Dick (2)
