RECAP | Eddies 1, United 1
Minnesota United settled for a 1-1 draw on the road against FC Edmonton on Sunday afternoon. An early goal and man advantage got Minnesota off to an ideal start, but a stoppage-time free kick saw Edmonton steal a point.
The wet afternoon got off to a perfect start for Minnesota. After Ibson was taken down outside the penalty area, Kalif Alhassan stepped up to take the free kick for United. His shot went through the Eddies' wall, off the far post, and into the net to give his side the early lead in the 11th minute.
The field opened up in the 25th minute after Edmonton's Michael Nonni tripped up Greg Jordan while already on a yellow card. The referee gave Nonni his second yellow without hesitation, leaving the Eddies with 10 men. Despite being a man down, Edmonton seemed to control possession for the remainder of the first half.
Minnesota settled in and dominated the match in the second half, having the advantage in possession and chances on goal. United, led by Christian Ramirez, put several potent shots on goal, only to be denied by Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.
Edmonton was able to push back against Minnesota, but the man advantage and excellent defensive work kept Minnesota on top until the final minutes of stoppage time. Two free kicks were given to Edmonton on the edge of United's penalty area as time was ticking away. Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock expertly grabbed the first as he dove across his goal to snatch the shot. The second found its way under the United defensive wall, and Ndjock was able to get a hand on the ball, but not enough to keep it out of his net as Edmonton got the late equalizer.
