Minnesota United flipped back to Page 1 of its playbook — scoring on set pieces — to take a second-half lead on the Timbers on Saturday.
But the Loons gave up an equalizer in stoppage time and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in Portland, Ore. The Timbers were able to salvage a point on their 50-year anniversary celebration at Providence Park.
With San Diego and Vancouver playing to a draw in Southern California, MNUFC (11-6-7, 41 points) squandered a chance to move into a first-place tie with San Diego.
The Loons’ success on set plays returned when they scored on a recycled corner kick in the 78th minute, with Anthony Markanich’s header finishing off a great cross from Julian Gressel.
But in the second minute of stoppage time, Omir Fernandez got between Loons defenders Jefferson Díaz and Gressel to score at the back post. He finished a cross from Juan Mosquera, who put a shot off the crossbar moments earlier.
Markanich has scored four goals in the last five matches to give him six on the season. Gressel had his third assist since joining Minnesota in May.
Minnesota was more dangerous in the first half with an 8-4 edge in total shots, but Felipe Mora’s shot on a counterattack was the best overall chance of the first half. But the Portland forward’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in first-half stoppage time.
With veteran leaders Michael Boxall and Wil Trapp given respites outside the starting lineup, St. Clair wore the captain’s armband for the first time this season. Boxall received the armband when he subbed in, alongside Trapp, at halftime.
Briefly
Joaquín Pereyra and Nico Romero’s bookings for yellow cards on Saturday will result in both Argentines being issued one-match suspensions for accumulation against St. Louis City next Saturday. … Sam Shashoua will go on loan with Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship for the rest of the 2025 season, the club said Saturday. … Joseph Rosales grabbed his right hamstring when he subbed out in the 75th minute.
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