Alex Bader
It was a cold, wet, and memorable 2022 home opener for Minnesota United and their supporters which ultimately ended in a stalemate.
For how poorly the Loons started the game, they were lucky to be able to claw their way back and grab a point.
BADER'S TAKE:
They started slow, but they came alive late, now they need to do it for a full 90-minutes.
The Loons were deserving of a 3-0 or 4-0 scoreline going into halftime, but they were lucky they only trailed by one.
They were also lucky to get the 45-minute weather delay because the first five minutes of the second half were abysmal for the Loons.
They used their luck to their advantage and were able to grab a point from what was a poor first 50 minutes.
Minnesota can be very good, they just need to play a full 90-minutes of soccer. In their first two games they were able to get a point, but they also only played half of those games. If they can figure out to put in a complete 90-minute performance then they will be very good this year.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane is good. I love the energy that he brings and he has a sense for the net. He made an instant impact on the game with his energy and determination to get the Loons back in the game.
I am eager to watch a lot more of him.
Game Recap:
It was a wet, rainy, and cold season home opener for the Minnesota Loons and their supporters.
The fans that showed up to stick it out in the weather were treated to an early Nashville goal. C. J. Sapong scored the goal four minutes into the game and Nashville had the 1-0 lead.
Minnesota started the game very poorly. They missed passes and their poor tackling decisions made it so that the Loons could not get anything going.
The rain played a factor, but the Loons just sat back and allowed Nashville to come on to them.
Minnesota had some chances in the first half, but hit the post and missed.
Minnesota went into half-time only down by one, but they had a lot of work ahead of them to get back into the game.
DJ Taylor came on for Brent Kallman and Bongokuhle Hlongwane came on for Franco Fragapane for the Loons, Heath wanted to try to spark Minnesota.
At the 51 minute mark, the game was delayed due to lightning in the area. Only in Minnesota would there be a thunderstorm in 33 degree weather.
It was officially a 45-minute delay and the game restarted at 7:30 central time. The field was drenched and several spots were flooded including both goalie boxes.
The Loons started the restart with energy and flair. As the freezing rain continued to pour down, Minnesota continued the pressure.
Minnesota had a corner with 25 minutes left to play. Taylor had a nice shot on the net, but it was right at the keeper.
Minnesota kept the pressure up and they were rewarded with a free kick on the left side of the Nashville penalty box.
Hasani Dotson followed up on a shot that hit the right post. He buried it to give the loyal supporters who stayed during the delay, something to cheer about.
The game was level at 1-1 with time to play.
Nashville was on their heels and they simply were trying to defend and take a point from this game.
Minnesota continued to press in hopes of taking all three points.
The Minnesota supporters who remained made their voices heard and tried to encourage the team to secure the win.
Minnesota ended the game with 55% of possession and had four shots on the net.
What's Next:
Minnesota will travel to New York next weekend to play the New York Red Bulls. New York has won their first two games and sits in first place in the east. They have scored seven goals and only allowed two in their first two games.
Minnesota will need a full 90-minute effort if they want to grab their first win of the season.
Saturday, March 13, 2022. at 6:00 p. m. central time
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