LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – Minnesota United stunned Sporting KC SC in stoppage for a win last night in the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Disney.
Sporting KC dominated most of the game, with position time and shots, and Minnesota looked lackluster and did not have energy. KC had the press on, keeping them n their heels. Minnesota did not challenge balls as Sporting just passed the ball around the Minnesota defense at will. Minnesota just looked worn out,
Keith Shelton got free after a nasty spinning pass from Alan Pulido and broke free to eat the goalie for a 1-0 SKC lead in the 43′.
But the Loons did not give up. In the 76′, Sporting goalie Tim Melia drew a straight red card after challenging Aaron Schoenfield and just tackling him just outside of the box, not even going after the ball. This left KC down a man for the remainder of the match.
Richard Sanchez took over in goal, and Minnesota started to wake up.
Sporting was still confident they had victory in hand when a free kick in the 92′ deflected in the box and hi the back of Shelton for an own Goal. 1-1
Minnesota pushed more and more, though KC kept them at bay, until a scrum on the box found the foot of Kevin Molina, who drove the ball in for Minnesota and the 2-1 victory in the 97′.
Also of note, this is Minnesota’s first game since the death of George Floyd. Both teams took a knee and a moment of silence before the beginning of the match.
Both teams play again on the 17th with Minnesota facing Real Salt Lake, and Sporting KC going against the Colorado Rockies.
