During a chilly Saturday evening encounter in St. Paul, Minnesota United FC and LAFC played to a 1-1 stalemate at Allianz Field.
The contest featured two sides chasing an Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoff spot, but a draw did neither Western Conference team any favors. The Loons ended the night in sixth place as they near postseason soccer, while LAFC are in ninth place and three points off the pace.
In the 32nd minute, Wil Trapp was given a yellow card for a harsh foul and LAFC were awarded a free kick. Cristian Arango, a frontrunner for MLS Newcomer of the Year, blasted the set piece past the Loons' wall and through the legs of goalkeeper Tyler Miller for a 1-0 lead.
In the 65th minute, LAFC defender Jesus David Murillo swiped the legs of Emanuel Reynoso out from underneath him and the Argentine midfielder earned a free kick. Reynoso's attempt was parried away by goalkeeper Jamal Blackmon but ended up on the boot of Loons' captain Osvaldo Alonso, who volleyed home an equalizer at 1-1.
MNUFC's best chance at a winner arrived in the 72nd minute when Adrien Hunou was served up a delicious through ball by Franco Fragapane. The Frenchman was poised for a 1-v-1 with Blackmon, but Murillo caught up to him before he could get the shot off.
LAFC struggled to contain Minnesota's press throughout the second half and couldn't gain much forward momentum.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This is two points dropped for MNUFC, who seemed to be in control the entire second half but couldn’t find another goal. For LAFC, Arango now has 12 goals in 14 matches since joining this summer. Bob Bradley’s side needed three points, but they’ll have to settle for one.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Osvaldo Alonso’s 65th-minute goal. The 35-year-old midfielder secured a point for the hosts and came up big in an intense moment.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Emanuel Reynoso. Minnesota's talisman was everywhere, wreaking havoc and causing chaos for LAFC's defense.
Next Up
- MIN: Wednesday, October 27 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 10 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- LAFC: Tuesday, October 26 vs. Seattle Sounders | 10:30 pm ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
