Minnesota United lifted the MLS trophy after a thrilling match against the Seattle Sounders, winning 7-6 in a penalty shootout on Saturday. The game ended in a 3-3 tie after regulation, leading to the tense shootout. Scoring for the home team were Nectarios Triantis, Owen Gene, Morris Duggan, Michael Boxall, Carlos Harvey, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, and Dayne St. Clair, while Joaquín Pereyra, Anthony Markanich, and Hassani Dotson missed their attempts. For Seattle, goals were converted by Albert Rusnák, Jackson Ragen, Ryan Kent, Paul Rothrock, Georgi Minoungou, and Alexander Roldan, while Jordan Morris, Obed Vargas, Osaze de Rosario, and Andrew Thomas failed to find the back of the net.
The match was filled with intense moments, starting with an early goal from Albert Rusnák for Seattle in the 4th minute. Minnesota quickly responded with goals from Joaquín Pereyra (18’ free kick), Jefferson Díaz (61’), and Anthony Markanich (70’). However, Seattle’s resilience was shown through goals from Danny Musovski (7’) and Jordan Morris (42’), equalizing the score.
One of the standout moments came when Albert Rusnák hit the post in the 53rd minute, denying Seattle an opportunity to extend their lead.
Jordan Morris was a key figure in the match, grabbing a goal and attempting two shots towards the goal for Seattle Sounders. Meanwhile, Anthony Markanich shone as a pivotal defender for Minnesota United, contributing a crucial goal and clearing three balls from the defensive area.
Head coach Eric Ramsay set up Minnesota United in a 4-4-2 formation with Dayne St. Clair in goal; Jefferson Díaz, Michael Boxall, Morris Duggan, and Joseph Rosales in defense; Robin Lod, Nectarios Triantis, Wil Trapp, and Joaquín Pereyra in midfield; with Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Kelvin Yeaboah leading the attack.
On the opposing side, coach Brian Schmetzer deployed a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Stefan Frei as goalkeeper; Alexander Roldan, Yeimar Gómez, Jackson Ragen, and Nouhou Tolo in defense; Cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, Jordan Morris, Albert Rusnák, and Jesús Ferreira in the midfield; and Danny Musovski at the front.
Victor Rivas officiated the match at Allianz Field.
Substitutions for Minnesota United
58’ 2T – Kelvin Yeaboah out for Anthony Markanich
83’ 2T – Robin Lod out for Carlos Harvey
84’ 2T – Jefferson Díaz out for Hassani Dotson
95’ 2T – Wil Trapp out for Owen Gene
Yellow Cards for Minnesota United:
25’ 1T Joaquín Pereyra (Unsporting behavior)
51’ 1T Michael Boxall (Unsporting behavior)
22’ 2T Jefferson Díaz (Unsporting behavior)
Dayne St. Clair (Insulting or showing disapproval to the referee)
Red Card for Minnesota United:
41’ 1T Joseph Rosales (Direct red)
Substitutions for Seattle Sounders
60’ 2T – Danny Musovski out for Paul Rothrock
73’ 2T – Jesús Ferreira out for Ryan Kent; Yeimar Gómez out for Osaze de Rosario
88’ 2T – Stefan Frei out for Andrew Thomas; Nouhou Tolo out for Georgi Minoungou
Yellow Cards for Seattle Sounders:
17’ 1T Yeimar Gómez (Unsporting behavior)