RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAn overarching question coming out of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to FC Juarez in Leagues Cup was how would Minnesota United respond against UANL Tigres on Friday.
Going from the last-place team in Liga MX to one of Mexico’s premier clubs presented a drastic and daunting shift and a test of resiliency for the Loons.
MNUFC returned to a strong defensive showing and held Tigres to a scoreless draw in the second Leagues Cup match at Allianz Field. Tigres won 4-2 in penalty kicks, with Kelvin Yeboah and Joaquin Pereyra having PKs saved.
In their first Phase One games on Tuesday, MNUFC fell 2-1 to FC Juarez, the last-place team in Liga MX. Tigres tied 1-1 with Real Salt Lake and gained one more point in six rounds of PKs.
Tigres had 20 shots, but only two on frame, a credit to how the Loons made it difficult to give up quality scoring chances.
MNUFC (0-1-1, 1 points) remained winless in nine matches in all competitions, but were better against Tigres (0-0-2, 4 points).
Minnesota squandered a prime opportunity to take a first half lead. Anthony Markanich earned a penalty kick with a run in behind and drew contact in the box. It was ruled offside, but VAR determined he was in an onside position.
But Joaquin Pereyra put the PK off the crossbar, not forcing Tigres keeper Nahuel Guzman to make a save.
Earlier in the half, a nice opportunity went to Momo Dieng’s header from close range, but Guzman’s right arm parried it away in the 20th minute.
In the second half, the Loons had another glaring miss. Pereyra provided great service on a corner kick and Anthony Markanich got free for a leaping header, but his chance went over the bar.
Then in the last minute of stoppage time, Kelvin Yeboah put a solid chance off the left post.
The Loons’ third Leagues Cup match will be Tuesday versus Atlante in St. Paul.
Briefly
MNUFC is pursuing a reunion with former Loons midfielder Aziel (AZ) Jackson, but terms with his current Poland club Jagiellonia Białystok are still being worked on, a PioneerPress source said Friday.
Jackson was successful with MNUFC2 in 2022 before stints with St. Louis City, Columbus and abroad. The potential addition of Jackson is not related to United’s pursuit of a striker and an attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window.
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