Minnesota United Stuns Seattle, Advances in MLS Playoffs

UPDATE: In a jaw-dropping turnaround, Minnesota United has defeated the Seattle Sounders in a thrilling penalty shootout, advancing in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This urgent victory comes after a dramatic Game 3 that saw the Loons rally from a two-goal deficit just eight minutes into the match.

On Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Allianz Field, Minnesota United made history by becoming the first team in MLS Playoff history to score a game-tying and go-ahead goal after receiving a red card. Despite going down to ten players, the Loons showed incredible resilience, ultimately securing a 7-6 victory in penalty kicks after a tense 3-3 draw in regulation time.

Head coach Eric Ramsay described the match as “insane,” emphasizing the remarkable spirit and teamwork displayed by his players. “You would be hard-pushed to see a game like that in a decade,” Ramsay noted. “For where we were at halftime to be where we are now is a phenomenal situation.”

The match began ominously for Minnesota as Seattle surged ahead with two quick goals within the first eight minutes. However, a stunning 29-yard free-kick goal from midfielder Joaquín Pereyra in the 19th minute ignited hope for the Loons, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The situation worsened for Minnesota when player Joseph Rosales received a red card for violent conduct in the 41st minute, forcing the team to compete with just ten men. Despite this setback, Minnesota equalized through a header from Jefferson Díaz in the 62nd minute, bringing the score to 2-2.

Seattle responded in the dying moments of the match, with Jordan Morris scoring in the 88th minute to tie the game at 3-3. However, Minnesota’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stepped up during the penalty shootout, successfully converting his own penalty while Seattle’s Andrew Thomas hit the crossbar, sealing the 7-6 victory for the Loons.

The Loons now prepare to face the winner of the San Diego-Portland series in the Western Conference semifinal, scheduled for November 22 or 23, 2023. Game 3 of that series is set for Sunday night, adding to the mounting excitement and urgency surrounding the MLS playoffs.

This remarkable comeback illustrates not only the competitive spirit of Minnesota United but also highlights the unpredictability of playoff football. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation for what lies ahead in this thrilling postseason.