Minnesota United FC 3, Seattle Sounders FC 2 (Penalties)

By Alonso Contreras

Allianz Field – St. Paul, Minnesota

It was a tense, grinding contest at Allianz Field that ended without goals in regulation, but Minnesota United emerged victorious in a dramatic 3–2 penalty shootout over the Seattle Sounders, advancing in front of their home supporters after 120 scoreless minutes filled with defensive resilience and missed opportunities.

A Stalemate in Regulation

From the opening whistle, the match reflected the cautious stakes of knockout soccer. Minnesota looked to establish rhythm through Joaquín Pereyra and Joseph Rosales, while Seattle leaned on Albert Rusnák and Cristian Roldán to create moments of transition.

Dayne St. Clair, the Minnesota goalkeeper, was called into action early, denying Jordan Morris in the second minute with a sharp save low to his right. The Loons answered through Bongokuhle Hlongwane, whose activity on the right wing troubled the Seattle defense but failed to translate into goals.

The first half saw chances for both sides but little to separate them. Stefan Frei was alert to efforts from Nectarios Triantis and Jefferson Díaz, while Seattle’s Rusnák and Roldán both saw promising efforts blocked in a crowded penalty area. Minnesota’s captain Michael Boxall marshaled his back line with authority, while Yéimar Gómez Andrade did the same for the Sounders, keeping the match deadlocked 0–0 at halftime.

Tight, Physical Second Half

The second half brought an increase in intensity but no breakthrough. Seattle found moments of momentum through substitutes Danny Musovski and Georgi Minoungou, yet Frei again stood tall when Minnesota looked dangerous from set pieces. Pereyra’s delivery from corners repeatedly tested the Seattle back line, but clear chances remained scarce.

As fatigue set in, the match tilted toward a war of attrition. Both teams picked up yellow cards—Boxall, Triantis, and Pereyra for the hosts; Roldán and Musovski pressing hard for Seattle—but neither side found the composure needed in the attacking third. The final minutes saw frantic exchanges, including a late Musovski header over the bar and a stoppage-time clearance by Díaz that preserved Minnesota’s clean sheet. After ninety tense minutes and stoppage time, the match headed to penalties.

Shootout Drama

Seattle struck first from the spot as Albert Rusnák confidently converted to give the visitors a 1–0 lead. Minnesota quickly responded through Kelvin Yeboah, who slotted his kick into the bottom right corner to level the score.

Álex Roldán’s attempt for Seattle was saved brilliantly by St. Clair, diving low to his left, while Nectarios Triantis put Minnesota ahead 2–1 with a composed finish. Jackson Ragen answered for Seattle with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, making it 2–2.

The tension mounted as both sides missed in succession—Danny Leyva hit the post for Seattle, and Julian Gressel struck the upright for Minnesota. With the score still level, Cristian Roldán’s attempt crashed off the crossbar, leaving the door open for the home side.

Joaquín Pereyra stepped up for Minnesota’s decisive kick and made no mistake, driving a powerful shot into the right side of the net to seal a 3–2 victory and send the Loons’ supporters into rapturous celebration.

Key Performances

Dayne St. Clair was the hero for Minnesota, not only for his penalty save but for a composed performance throughout regulation. Pereyra was influential in midfield, setting tempo and ultimately delivering the winning kick. On Seattle’s side, Rusnák and Frei were standouts, but the lack of clinical finishing proved costly.

The Takeaway

Minnesota United showed discipline and resilience in a match defined by defensive organization and mental endurance. For Seattle, it was a night of frustration—solid structure but missed chances and cruel luck from the penalty spot.

As the final whistle blew and Pereyra’s winner rippled the net, Minnesota’s players embraced under the floodlights, their hard-earned victory a testament to patience, precision, and belief under pressure.