Austin FC 2, Minnesota United FC 2

By Rene Vidal

Overview

Austin FC and Minnesota United FC played out an intense 2–2 draw in a match defined by set-piece efficiency, momentum swings, and a dramatic late equalizer. Austin twice held the lead, but Minnesota showed resilience, salvaging a point through Kelvin Yeboah’s stoppage-time header after Morris Duggan’s first-half equalizer.

First Half: Early Austin Lead, Minnesota Responds

Austin FC started aggressively and capitalized on their first major opportunity. In the 7th minute, center back Brendan Hines-Ike opened the scoring with a header from close range following a Facundo Torres corner. The early goal reflected Austin’s strong set-piece preparation and territorial pressure in the opening minutes.

Minnesota responded by increasing their intensity and relying heavily on wide play and set pieces. Joaquín Pereyra and Tomás Chancalay delivered several dangerous corners and free kicks, testing Austin’s defensive structure. Kelvin Yeboah was a constant aerial threat, narrowly missing with a header midway through the half.

The equalizer arrived in the 40th minute when Morris Duggan, also a central defender, scored with a header from the center of the box after a corner delivered by Pereyra. The goal came from sustained pressure and highlighted Minnesota’s dominance in aerial duels during the latter part of the half.

The first half ended evenly, with both teams showing clear attacking patterns built around set-piece situations and wide deliveries.

Half-time: Austin FC 1, Minnesota United FC 1

Second Half: Austin Regain Control, Minnesota Strike Late

Austin began the second half with increased attacking intent, using Facundo Torres as their primary creative outlet. Torres forced Drake Callender into several saves and consistently delivered dangerous balls into the penalty area. Jon Gallagher and Dani Pereira added supporting runs, creating multiple shooting opportunities.

At the 76th minute, Austin reclaimed the lead. Myrto Uzuni finished from close range after a well-constructed move involving Jon Gallagher and Robert Taylor. The goal reflected Austin’s improved combination play and ability to exploit Minnesota’s defensive gaps in transition.

Minnesota responded with substitutions to inject energy and height, pushing higher in the final minutes. Tomás Chancalay and Joaquín Pereyra continued to provide service, while Devin Padelford advanced from the right flank to support attacks.

In the 90th minute, Minnesota finally broke through. Kelvin Yeboah rose above the Austin defense and headed home from the center of the box after a cross from Padelford, securing a dramatic late equalizer. The goal capped Minnesota’s sustained late pressure and highlighted their aerial dominance throughout the match.

Tactical Analysis

Austin FC

Austin’s game plan focused on wide play and set pieces, with Facundo Torres as the central creative figure. The team showed effectiveness in dead-ball situations and combination play in the final third, but struggled to maintain defensive concentration in the air. While they controlled periods of possession and created multiple chances, their inability to defend crosses and corners ultimately cost them two points.

Minnesota United FC

Minnesota relied heavily on wide service and physical presence in the box. Pereyra and Chancalay provided consistent delivery, while Yeboah and Duggan exploited aerial mismatches. Defensively, Minnesota had moments of vulnerability in transition, particularly on Uzuni’s goal, but their resilience and late pressure paid dividends.

Discipline and Key Incidents

Austin FC yellow cards:

• Ilie Sánchez (38’)

Minnesota United FC yellow cards:

• Wil Trapp (25’)

The match was competitive but controlled, with fouls largely tactical and no major disciplinary incidents beyond cautions.

Standout Performances

Facundo Torres (Austin FC): Provided an assist and was Austin’s main creative force, delivering constant danger from set pieces and open play.Myrto Uzuni (Austin FC): Scored Austin’s second goal and led the line effectively with intelligent movement.Joaquín Pereyra (Minnesota United FC): Orchestrated Minnesota’s set-piece delivery and midfield distribution.Kelvin Yeboah (Minnesota United FC): Scored the dramatic late equalizer and posed a constant aerial threat throughout the match.Drake Callender (Minnesota United FC): Made several key saves to keep Minnesota within reach.

Conclusion

This match was a battle of aerial strength and wide delivery, with both teams showcasing their effectiveness on set pieces. Austin will feel disappointed after conceding a late equalizer, having led twice and controlled long stretches of the match. Minnesota, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience and tactical persistence, earning a valuable point through late pressure and physical presence in the box.

The 2–2 draw reflects the balance of play and the importance of set-piece execution in Major League Soccer.