Minnesota United Falls 2-1 in Final Preseason Match
MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Falls 2-1 in Final Preseason Match

Published on February 14, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


INDIO, Calif. - Minnesota United wrapped up preseason play with a competitive showing on Saturday morning, trading goals with Charlotte FC in a hardfought fixture, but eventually losing 2-1. With preseason now complete, The Loons turn their attention to the 2026 MLS season opener, traveling to face Austin FC on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. CT at Q2 Stadium.

Minnesota United got its first dangerous opportunity near target in the seventh minute. The chance came after Joaquín Pereyra settled the ball near the top of the 18-yard box, took a few touches, and fired a left-footed shot that went wide of the left post.

MNUFC defender Anthony Markanich made a crucial save near the goal line in the 29th minute. Charlotte FC midfielder Wilfried Zaha played a switch inside the 18-yard box to Liel Abada, but Markanich was able to block the attempt and sent it out for a corner kick.

At the other end of the field, Markanich won possession in the attacking third and carried the ball into the penalty area, where he was alone. He took a left-footed shot but goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina pushed the attempt out for a corner kick for the Loons.

Charlotte FC opened the scoring when Idan Toklomati received a cross near the penalty spot and scored with a bicycle kick in the 36th minute.

Two minutes later, Bongokuhle Hlongwane tied the score after receiving a long throughball from Wil Trapp into the attacking third. Hlongwane carried into the penalty area, went one-on-one with goalkeeper Kahlina and slipped the ball into the back of the net.

Toklomati scored his brace for The Crown in the 53rd minute after receiving a cross from the right flank; Toklomati jumped and headered the ball into the back of the net.

Pereyra had another dangerous opportunity after receiving possession after a rebound, where he hit a left-footed volley, but Kahlina pushed the ball out for a defender to clear the attempt.

In the final minutes of the match, Hlongwane found himself in a dangerous one-on-one with goalkeeper Kahlina, but the attempt was blocked.

GOAL SUMMARY

0-1 CLT - Idan Toklomati - 36'

1-1 MIN - Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Wil Trapp) - 38'

1-2 CLT - Idan Toklomati - 53'

UP NEXT:

MINNESOTA UNITED FC @ AUSTIN FC

Q2 Stadium | Austin, Texas

2.21.2026 | MLS 2026 Regular Season | Match 1

7:30 p.m. CT (Apple TV/1500 ESPN)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 14, 2026


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