St. Paul, Minnesota – In a heart-pounding match at Allianz Field, on a gorgeous Minnesota night, D.C. United emerged victorious against Minnesota United FC, securing a 3-2 win that left fans on the edge of their seats. The match showcased skill, drama, and unexpected twists, making it a memorable night for soccer enthusiasts.
Benteke’s Brilliance: Christian Benteke, the dynamic forward for the Black and Red, stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance. His brace—goals in the 14th and 91st minute—proved decisive. Benteke’s aerial prowess was on full display, winning an impressive 13 duels. His partnership with Cristian Dájome was electric, and their chemistry troubled Minnesota’s defense throughout the game. This was evident early, as Dájome neatly stole a dangerous pass from the Loons’ Caden Clark, and fed Benteke, who weaved through United defenders like a man possessed, scoring the first point of the match.
Late Drama: As the clock ticked down, tension mounted. In the 80th minute, Minnesota’s Teemu Pukki leveled the score, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But D.C. United had other plans. In the dying moments, Aaron Herrera, the unassuming defender, found the back of the net, assisted by—you guessed it—Benteke. Benteke would go on to score the game-winner one minute later, much to the dismay of the Loon faithful. A chorus of boos filled the stadium, as replays showed Benteke appearing to be offside while scoring. The visitors snatched victory from the jaws of a draw, leaving Minnesota fans stunned.
#MNUFC pull ahead only to then give up 2 quick goals to #DCUnited pic.twitter.com/BjDpjcdnnh
— GaryTheSnail (@GaryLeeStone) July 18, 2024
Midfield Battles: Pedro Santos, D.C. United’s midfield maestro, orchestrated play with precision. His eight passes into the final third kept Minnesota’s defense busy. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Hassani Dotson and Robin Lod fought valiantly, creating chances and testing D.C.’s backline. The midfield battle was intense, with both teams refusing to yield an inch.
Misconduct and Controversy: The match wasn’t without its share of drama. Michael Boxall’s foul for Minnesota and Martin Rodríguez’s poor sportsmanship for D.C. United added spice to the contest. Boxall, a fan favorite for his rough-and-tumble approach, had to be warned several times. Referees had their hands full managing tempers and ensuring fair play.
Stats Tell the Story: The boxscore revealed a closely contested affair. Shots on target favored D.C. United (4) over Minnesota (3), but possession remained balanced. Corners were evenly split, and both goalkeepers—Dayne St. Clair for Minnesota and Alex Bono for D.C. United—made crucial saves.
Lineups and Tactics: Minnesota fielded a spirited lineup, with Tani Oluwaseyi and Teemu Pukki leading the attack. D.C. United’s defense, anchored by Aaron Herrera and Christopher McVey, held firm. Coach Eric Ramsay’s tactical adjustments kept the home team in the hunt, but Troy Lesesne’s D.C. United executed their game plan flawlessly.
What Lies Ahead: Minnesota United FC faces a challenging road ahead, seeking to establish some sort of consistency. Winless in their last 4 home matches, the Loons have a lot to figure out if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. D.C. United, riding high after this thrilling win, aims to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Both sides are hoping to come out of the MLS All-Star break and upcoming League Cup play with a new resolve. The opening of the second transfer window offers some hope for the Loons, as they’ve signed attacker Samuel Shashoua, a product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.
Ready for Success: Often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is home to a hotbed of soccer enthusiasts. Home to the USA Cup youth tournament, and an ever-growing contingent of United FC faithful, it seems the time is ripe for the Loons front office to start making the moves to field a side capable of competing with the best in the league.
