Minnesota United and Austin FC both walked away with a point after a hard-fought match in Week 1 of the MLS.
With the intention of controlling the tempo, Austin FC seized the initiative and opened the scoring in the 6th minute through a header from Brendan Hines-Ike. However, Minnesota’s Morris Duggan leveled the score right before halftime with another header in the 39th minute.
After halftime, Myrto Uzuni took advantage of a crucial play to restore Austin’s lead in the 75th minute. Yet, it was Kelvin Yeaboah who became the hero for Minnesota United, netting a crucial equalizer in the dying moments of the match.
In the 90th minute, Yeaboah lifted the spirits of Minnesota with an outstanding header that beat goalkeeper Bradley Stuver, following a precise assist from Devin Padelford. The ball found the back of the net at the right post, bringing the crowd to their feet.
Kelvin Yeaboah was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, showcasing his quality with one goal and three attempts on target.
On the defensive side, Oleksandr Svatok made his mark for Austin FC, clearing 12 balls out of danger.
Austin FC’s coach, Nicolás Estévez, started the match with a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Brad Stuver in goal, with Jon Gallagher, Oleksandr Svatok, Brendan Hines-Ike, and Zan Kolmanic forming the backline. Daniel Pereira, Ilie Sánchez, Joseph Rosales, Facundo Torres, and Jayden Nelson completed the midfield, while Myrto Uzuni led the attack.
On the other hand, Minnesota United, led by coach Cameron Knowles, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Drake Callender in goal, and a defensive line of DJ Taylor, Morris Duggan, Michael Boxall, and Anthony Markanich. The midfield consisted of Joaquín Pereyra, Wil Trapp, and Nectarios Triantis, while the attacking trio included Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Kelvin Yeaboah, and Tomás Chancalay.
The match took place at Q2 Stadium, officiated by referee Armando Villarreal.
Next week, Austin FC will host DC United, while Minnesota United will welcome FC Cincinnati.
Substitutions for Austin FC
69’ 2T – Jayden Nelson off for Robert Taylor
78’ 2T – Ilie Sánchez off for Nicolás Dubersarsky and Anthony Markanich off for Devin Padelford
90’ 2T – Robert Taylor off for Calvin Fodrey
91’ 2T – Joseph Rosales off for Jonathan Bell
Yellow Card for Austin FC:
38’ 1T Ilie Sánchez (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Minnesota United
65’ 2T – Bongokuhle Hlongwane off for Julian Gressel and DJ Taylor off for Carlos Harvey
85’ 2T – Tomás Chancalay off for Troy Putt and Nectarios Triantis off for Mamadou Dieng
Yellow Card for Minnesota United:
25’ 1T Wil Trapp (Unsporting behavior)