A 1-1 draw saw Minnesota United knocked out of the 2022 MLS Playoffs after a 1-1 draw saw them advance 5-4 via penalty kicks at Toyota Stadium on Monday evening.
Argentine Alan Velasco’s panenka secured the win in the fifth round of the shootout, winning 5-4 on kicks from the spot.
At the end of regulation, the two teams were level at a goal a piece, courtesy of two second-half strikes. As a result, the match headed to Extra Time to attempt to find a winner, but the additional 30 minutes was not enough. The contest was determined by penalty kicks from the spot.
Emanuel Reynoso opened the scoring in the 53rd minute off a Bongokuhle Hlongwane assist. The South African international was fed a gorgeous cross from midfielder Wil trapp, and after a bit of genius hold up play on the top of the box, hlongwane found Reynoso who slotted home from the top of the 18-yard-box.
FC Dallas equalized through midfielder Facundo Quignon, who found the back of the net 11 minutes later off a corner kick. The Argentine was left wide-open by the Loons defense and the hosts capitalized.
While goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair wasn’t able to make a stop in the shootout, he did everything he could over the first 120+ minutes to keep Minnesota in it. Per Fotmob, St. Clair faced 3.35 xGOT (expected goals on target), allowing just one goal during that time.
In total, the visitors were outshot 19-7 and managed just two shots on target to Dallas’ six. Defensively, Minnesota forced 20 interceptions and executed 28 clearances.
The Loons bow out in the first round for the second straight season and the third time in four years.
FC Dallas advances to the second round of the 2022 MLS Playoffs and will travel to face Austin FC on Sunday, October 23 at 7 pm CT.
Jeremy Rushing