Though a late surge almost saw a game-equalizing goal be scored for MNUFC2, Minnesota’s 2024 Home Opener ended in a 2-1 loss to St. Louis CITY2 on Friday night at the NSC Stadium. The Twos look forward to the Sunday, May 12 contest against Ventura County FC (formerly LA Galaxy II) at home.
St. Louis CITY2 found the back of the net first in the 11th minute after gaining possession in the Twos’ defensive half. Once CITY2 worked the ball inside, possession of the ball bounced around the two teams until finding St. Louis midfielder Wan Kuzain on top of the 18-yard box. Kuzain fired off a left footed shot on goal that flew past the MNUFC Academy U19 goalkeeper Oliver Kelly.
MNUFC2 nearly scored after winger Darius Randell ran onto a ball in the middle third and played teammate Patrick Weah inside the 18-yard box. Weah took open space on the left flank where he fired a close shot off just outside the six-yard box. Opposing goalkeeper, Nick Bishop, deflected the shot.
The Twos once again played up the left side which they’ve favored during the first half, but switched the ball through the middle and out to the right side of the pitch and found defender Derek Dodson. Dodson then crossed the ball into a dangerous spot just outside the six-yard box where Kage Romanshyn Jr. got a foot on it but couldn’t finish.
MNUFC2 struggled to find the back of the net in the first half of the match after having multiple opportunities to get themselves on the scoreboard. St. Louis CITY2’s defense made it difficult for the Twos after shutting down the left side of the pitch. MNUFC2’s back line held strong, keeping the opposing side to only one goal going into the second half.
MNUFC2 nearly leveled the score after being granted a free kick in their attacking half. Romanshyn Jr. and Justin Arias won a set piece about 30-yards out from goal where, Romanshyn Jr. took the shot but it was ultimately saved by Bishop.
In the 58th minute, Weah charged up the pitch after a long ball was sent over where Bishop, far off his line, headed the ball up the pitch. Loïc Mesanvi gained possession off Bishop's clearance after settling the ball off his chest and volleyed it back into the box. His shot was deflected off Bishop and rebounded back to Weah’s feet for a close shot on goal where he found the back of the net to level the score.
CITY2 regained the lead after the Twos turned the ball over in their defensive half. John Klein slid the ball through to Mykhi Joyner on the left side of the pitch for a close-range goal.
Seconds before the full-time whistle, Mesanvi had a one-on-one chance on goal against Bishop. Mesanvi took the shot on the 18-yard line, but Bishop far off his line once again made a save, keeping St. Louis CITY2 in the lead to close out the game.
GOALS
0-1 STL2 - Wan Kuzain (11’)
1-1 MNUFC2 - Patrick Weah, assisted by Loïc Mesanvi (58’)
1-2 STL2 - Mykhi Joyner, assisted by John Klein (79’)
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
Caution, STL2 - Eric Kinzner (24’)
Caution, STL2 - Seth Antwi (37’)
Caution, MNUFC2 - Molik Jesse Khan (48’)
Caution, MNUFC2 - Jonah Gasho (74’)
NOTABLE STATS
1 – MNUFC Academy U19 goalkeeper Oliver Kelly made his MNUFC2, MLS NEXT PRO and professional debut against St. Louis during the home opener on May 3, 2024.
TEAM LEADERS (Updated through May 3)
Goals – Carlos Harvey, Patrick Weah (3)
Assists – Molik Jesse Khan (2)
Saves – Alec Smir (15)
Wins – Alec Smir (1)
Shutouts – N/A
