Minnesota United experienced a crushing defeat in the Leagues Cup, succumbing to Club América in a grueling eighth-round penalty shootout after a late equalizer snatched victory from their grasp, capping a night filled with dramatic twists and turns for the Loons.
The pivotal match, played Saturday night in Houston, saw Minnesota United fall victim to an early setback when Michael Boxall inadvertently scored an own goal in the 27th minute, briefly putting Club América ahead before Bongokuhle Hlongwane quickly restored Minnesota’s advantage just four minutes later with a crucial equalizer.
Momentum seemed to swing significantly in Minnesota’s favor midway through the second half when Club América’s Igor Lichnovsky received his second yellow card in the 62nd minute, reducing the Mexican giants to ten men and offering the Loons a considerable numerical advantage to exploit.
Capitalizing on the ten-man situation, Carlos Harvey netted a goal in the 65th minute, giving Minnesota United a crucial 3-2 lead, only for Club América’s Sebastián Cáceres to stunningly equalize in the 90th minute with a powerful header, dramatically forcing the Leagues Cup match into a tense penalty shootout.
The ensuing penalty shootout was a nail-biter, with both MLS Soccer teams converting their initial seven attempts, building immense pressure until Loons defender Nicolás Romero’s crucial eighth shot was saved by goalkeeper Ángel Malagón, paving the way for Isaías Violante to convert his decisive kick and seal the win for Club América in the Leagues Cup.
Post-match, a visibly dejected Tani Oluwaseyi reflected on the outcome, stating, “Tough. I think we probably think we deserve a little bit more from that, but you know, I think this has become a bit of a pattern for us dropping points late, so you know, it’s one of those we can’t really dwell on it too much. Go to recover and get ready for the next game.”
This Leagues Cup encounter marked the first-ever meeting between Minnesota United and the formidable Club América, adding another chapter to the tournament’s history as both teams navigate the evolving competitive landscape, with the Loons now looking ahead to their final Phase One match against Atlético de San Luis.
The Leagues Cup, an annual tournament featuring prominent teams from MLS and Liga MX, has seen its format adapt over six seasons, with only a few teams, like Portland and Inter Miami, showing consistent dominance, while Minnesota United, despite their recent setback in the penalty shootout, remains in contention with four points as they prepare for the next challenge in this exciting sports news event.
