FC Cincinnati 0, Minnesota United FC 1 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

Aaron Schoenfeld’s first goal for Minnesota United FC gave his side a 1-0 win Saturday night at FC Cincinnati, providing them with a valuable three points in the Western Conference playoff race. 

Schoenfeld’s strike came in the 92nd minute to break a scoreless deadlock, as the striker cleaned up a scramble from a corner-kick that Cincinnati protested strongly should not have been awarded in the first place. Michael Boxall headed the original in-swinger off the post, then the rebound was dispatched between Spencer Richey’s legs.

Before the late goal, clear-cut chances were few and far between at Nippert Stadium, though Minnesota midfielder Kevin Molino came close in the 36th minute. He was played through by Robin Lod and was denied by a sprawling Richey as the goalkeeper rushed off his line.

Minnesota also nearly found the breakthrough in the 57th minute through Jan Gregus, only for his open look to be denied by a last-ditch block from Andrew Gutman. The DP midfielder recently returned from international duty with Slovakia.

It was a gritty performance from FC Cincinnati, but they remain bottom of the Eastern Conference standings after their 12th loss of the year. They logged only two shots on target and rarely threatened Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Goals

• 90'+2' – MIN – Aaron Schoenfeld | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: As stoppage time rolled around, Minnesota seemed destined to make it five ties in their last seven games. But then Schoenfeld came up huge to keep the Loons at five games unbeaten (2W-0L-3D) and jump ahead LAFC for the No. 4 seed out West. FC Cincinnati have now lost six of their last seven games and an Eastern Conference playoff spot seems like a long shot.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Aaron Schoenfeld entered in the 76th minute for Kei Kamara, and then provided his biggest contribution yet in a Minnesota jersey. In cleaning up the scraps, he gave the Loons a massive road win.

MAN OF THE MATCH
: It has to be Aaron Schoenfeld for the late game-winner. It was the former
Columbus Crew SC
striker’s first MLS goal since Oct. 25, 2015, too.

Next Up

• CIN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 vs. Sporting Kansas City (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
• MIN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 vs. Colorado Rapids (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)