Loons’ defensive lapses lead to 2-1 loss to FC Dallas
· Yahoo Sports
Minnesota United’s defense left huge holes in front of the net and FC Dallas capitalized with two all-too-easy goals in a 2-1 win Wednesday at Allianz Field.
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After allowing eight total goals in the last two games, the Loons continued to suffer defensive breakdowns to extend its winless stretch in St. Paul since April 14.
Three MNUFC defenders — Michael Boxall, Jefferson Diaz and Morris Duggan — converged on Joaquin Valiente in the box and it left Kaick Ferreira wide open for the opening goal in the 62nd minute.
United striker Kelvin Yeboah put a close-range shot off the left post, but he capitalized on a rebound to make it 1-1 in the 73rd minute. It was Yeboah’s 12th goal of the season, now two off the club single-season record of Christian Ramirez set in 2017.
Then in transition in the 83rd minute, Dallas sub striker Santi Moreno rank in between Boxall and Carlos Harvey. All Boxall could do was grab fruitlessly in desperation as Moreno scored a tap-in. Harvey wasn’t close enough to even do that.
Dallas (11-7-6, 40 points) created more separation on MNUFC (7-9-8, 29 points) in the Western Conference.
In the first half at least, Minnesota’s defense was good. MNUFC allowed only one shot on target in the first half Wednesday. Drake Callender made a nice reaction save off a shot from Logan Farrington, which appeared to take a deflection off Morris Duggan, in the 44th minute.
Before the match, the Loons caught a break with Dallas striker Petar Musa ruled out with an upper-body injury. Musa’s 18 goals put him in a tie with Lionel Messi for the MLS Golden Boot lead.
MNUFC made one change to its starting XI from the Portland loss, with Nectar Triantis stepping into the lineup for the first time since May 23. Owen Gene dropped to the bench.