The third week of September might be recalled as when Minnesota United’s promising season slipped through its fingers.
After a heartbreaking home loss to Austin FC in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday, the Loons had a chance against the Chicago Fire on Saturday to move into a first-place tie with San Diego FC atop the Western Conference.
Instead, a depleted MNUFC starting lineup gave up two goals on nearly identical free kicks in the first half and lost 3-0 at Allianz Field.
The Loons didn’t start hungover, but a lull sunk in after falling behind late in the first half and into the second half.
Minnesota appeared to have a lifeline into the game with a goal from Momo Dieng in the 68th minute, but the new striker was ruled offside. Less than two minutes later, Chicago’s Philip Zinkernagel blasted a shot into the back of the net.
In frustration to falling down three goals, Loons defender Julian Gressel punted the ball high into the sky, and it can be compared to the Loons’ season seemingly being kicked away this week.
MNUFC (15-7-9, 54 points) was unbeaten in four straight MLS matches, including a statement win over San Diego last weekend. But instead of contending for the Supporters Shield, Minnesota will need to start looking behind them in the standings.
What a difference a week makes.
Meanwhile, Chicago (13-11-6, 45 points) boosted its position for the final playoff spot in the East.
On the first goal, Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved the initial header, but Chicago center back Joel Waterman was alone at the back post to smack it in during the 26th minute.
On the second goal, Chicago defensive midfielder Dje D’Avilla dunked on Morris Duggan to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.
The Loons rested the four players who put in 120-minute shifts in the 2-1 loss to Austin midweek and had to make due with starting striker Kelvin Yeboah (hamstring) and defender Carlos Harvey (knee) being ruled out for the rest of the regular season on Friday.
Minnesota’s starting attackers — Dominik Fitz, Momo Dieng, Darius Randell — made their first MLS starts. Also, Nector Triantis made his first league start at center back, not his regular defensive midfield spot. It was the first time he played on the back line since August 2024 for Sunderland.
Needing a spark, head coach Eric Ramsay brought in the four out-field players who played every minute Wednesday. Robin Lod, Joaquin Pereyra, Bongi Hlongwane and Michael Boxall subbed in during the 55th minute.
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