Bongi Hlongwane clearly loves playing in Leagues Cup.
In the opening game of the tournament with Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday, Minnesota United’s attacking midfielder scored the opening goal and made a dangerous run to set up the Loons’ second in a 4-1 blowout win over Queteraro at Allianz Field.
It was the type of performance that harkened to Hlongwaane’s 2023 tournament form when he scored seven goals, second only to some player named Lionel Messi.
In the 11th minute, Hlongwane tapped in Joseph Rosales’ deflected cross for the opening goal. Then in the 19th, Hlongwane went on a 20-plus yard dribble straight through the Queretaro defense and was in on goal if not for a desperate foul from Omar Mendoza just outside of the box.
The threat of Hlongwane set up a free kick that Kelvin Yeboah curled around a Queretaro six-man wall that was less than fully committed to putting their bodies on the line. It helped allow Yeboah to score low and inside the right post for a 2-0 lead.
Queretaro was 0-3-0 in three games to start the Liga MX season and that poor run continued north of the border. Minnesota is dead last in MLS in possession (37%), but had the ball nearly 60% of the first half. The Loons ended with 52% possession.
The Mexican side cut United’s lead in half with a strong strike from Jhojan Julio into the top of the net in the 67th minute.
But two subs put it out of reach. Anthony Markanich created breathing room in the 79th minute and Tani Oluwaseyi turned it into a blowout with a goal in the 90th minute.
Hlongwane nearly had more goals before his teammates put out of reach. Another shot on a breakaway was denied by goalkeeper Jose Hernandez in the 57th minute and another run in behind ended when he was hauled down on the edge of the box. .
The Loons will close out Phase One of the tournament with Mexico’s Liga MX against Club America in Houston on Saturday at Atletico de San Luis in St. Paul next Wednesday.
MNUFC head coach Eric Ramsay estimated his team would need at least seven points in order to be included in the four of 18 MLS clubs who will advance to the quarterfinal knockout round.
The Loons got off to a strong start Wednesday. The Loons’ plus-3 goal differential could be key in advancing to the quarterfinals.
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