Minnesota United FC 3, FC Dallas 2 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

10-men Loons hang on for win over FC Dallas

Kevin Molino scored twice and Mason Toye added another goal for Minnesota United, leading the Loons to a 3-2 win over FC Dallas at Allianz Field.


Minnesota had to play with 10 men for the final eight minutes (plus stoppage time) after Romain Metanire was sent off in the 82nd minute, but they managed to hang on.


MNUFC won their second straight game after a four-match losing streak. FC Dallas got goals from Ricardo Pepi and Santiago Mosquera, but saw a four-game undefeated streak come to an end.


A turnover in the FC Dallas defensive end led to Robin Lod's pass to Toye, who left-footed a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck and into the net for a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.


The home side went up 2-0 on Molino's first goal, which came in the 28th minute as a result of pinpoint ball movement approaching the box. Metanire fed Molino for the shot, which was too forceful to be stopped.


Michael Barrios nearly brought FC Dallas to 2-1, but his shot went high and clanged off the crossbar in the 40th minute. Moments later, Pepi slid the ball into the net off a pass from Bryan Reynolds, and FC Dallas trailed by a goal at the half.


Barrios broke out with only the goalkeeper to beat in the 65th minute, but again he missed his unclean touch and the ball went wide of the net. Seconds later, Molino hit the post with a shot.


Molino converted from the penalty spot after Metanire was taken down in the box by Ryan Hollingshead in the 69th minute. That goal proved to be the game-winner after Mosquera scored off a set piece in the 77th minute to make it 3-2.


Goals


  • 11' – MIN – Mason Toye | WATCH
  • 28' – MIN – Kevin Molino | WATCH
  • 42' – DAL – Ricardo Pepi | WATCH
  • 70' – MIN – Kevin Molino (PK) | WATCH
  • 77' – DAL – Santiago Mosquera | WATCH


Three Things


  • THE BIG PICTURE: The Loons sit atop the Western Conference at 17 points, setting up a big match against Sporting Kansas City this weekend. FC Dallas had multiple opportunities to steal a point, but Minnesota held firm. Emanuel Reynoso clearly looks like a difference-maker on the attack, which is a major plus.

  • MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
    The penalty against Hollingshead hurt the visitors, with FC Dallas down 2-1. Although they attempted a rally, a 3-1 lead after Molino converted was too big a mountain to climb.

  • MAN OF THE MATCH: That's two straight matches in which Kevin Molino has played really well. His two goals give him the nod, and his ability to step up was key with so many players out for the Loons.

  • Next Up


    • MIN: Sunday, September 13 at Sporting Kansas City (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
    • DAL: Saturday, September 12 vs. Houston Dynamo (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)