The Loons Extinguish The Fire to Advance to The Semi-Finals of The U.S. Open Cup

The quarterfinals of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States kicked off in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota United set to host their second-ever U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match in their history against 4-time U.S. Open Cup winners, Chicago Fire FC.

St.Paul, MN– The First half was a battle between these two intense sides. Minnesota looked like the aggressors, but in the 25th minute, the true madness occurred. Chicago Fire veteran defender Omar Gonzalez was sent off by referee Ekaterina Koroleva. Gonzalez was called for an elbow to face of Minnesota United defender Julian Gressel by VAR. It was Omar Gonzalez’s second red card of his career. The first breakthrough of the match came at the 28th minute. Minnesota United’s Wil Trapp tries to get the ball off of Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel but hits his foot in the box. Ekaterina Koroleva blows her whistle and gives the penalty to the Fire. Chicago’s Brian Gutiérrez buries the kick past Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair for 1-0 lead for the visitors.

The second half began to swing back in favor of the home team right away. Minnesota created a wonderful team goal play that was finished off by their Finnish midfielder, Robin Lod. Anthony Markanich put in a perfect pass in the box that was found by Lod for the equalizer. A perfect start for the Loons. The game ended at regular time, and we headed to extra time.

The extra time was dominated by the Loons. Superstar striker Kelvin Yeboah was able to find the net with a wonderful header pass from Carlos Harvey. And Yeboah wasn’t done. He manages to stamp Minnesota’s ticket to the semifinals in the 120th minute. Yeboah had a 1v1 against Chris Brady, but Chicago’s Leonardo Barroso clipped Yeboah’s ankle in the box, and Ekaterina Koroleva made the call for a penalty. Yeboah powerfully strikes it past Brady for the 3-1 lead and calls game for the Loons.

Minnesota will officially advance to the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup and will take on the winner of San Jose Earthquakes/Austin FC.