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Minnesota United FC 2

MNUFC2 Loses 4-1 to Earthqakes II in Final Match of the Season

September 18, 2022 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release


BLAINE, Minn. -- MNUFC2 on Sunday night hosted Earthquakes II on Decision Day and the final match of its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season, ultimately falling 4-1 to the California side.

Statistically, the match was fairly even, as shots, shots on target, crosses and possession were just about balanced between the sides. But, it just wasn't to be for the Loons. Quakes II scored in the second minute of the game, slipping the shot past MNUFC2 goalkeeper Fred Emmings. The San Jose side would notch another goal in the 26th minute, leading 2-0 at half. Shortly after the start of the final 45 minutes, the visitors added their third goal in the 50th minute. But, Minnesota kept the fight and upped its urgency, resulting in the 57th-minute goal scored by forward Tani Oluwaseyi. Midfielder Justin McMaster provided the assist on the perfectly-timed cross inside the six-yard box. The goal was notably Oluwaseyi's second goal scored in as many matches. A few minutes later, Earthquakes II would seal the victory with the fourth goal in the 64th minute.

With the loss, MNUFC2 finishes its inaugural season in the sixth position in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference (9-10-5, 36 points).

MNUFC2 will return in 2023, with a full schedule to be released in the coming months.

GOALS

0-1 SJE - Joaquin Eisenberg, Assist by Miles Robinson (2')

0-2 SJE - Maximilian Arfsten, Assist by Eduardo Blancas (26')

0-3 SJE - Rodolfo Castro, Assist by Maximilian Arfsten (50')

1-3 MIN - Tani Oluwaseyi, Assist by Justin McMaster (57')

1-4 SJE - Maximilian Arfsten, Assist by Rodolfo Castro (64')

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

Yellow, SJE - Nathan Scott (38')

Yellow, MIN - Carlos Leatherman (42')

Yellow, SJE - Miles Robinson (61')

Yellow, SJE - Omar Lemus (80')

NOTABLE STATS

2- MNUFC2 forward Tani Oluwaseyi scored his second goal for the Loons this MLS NEXT Pro season, marking the second-consecutive game he has netted a goal.

TEAM LEADERS (Updated through September 18)

Goals - Aziel Jackson (10)

Assists - Aziel Jackson (7)

Saves - Fred Emmings (52)

Wins - Fred Emmings (4)

Shutouts - Eric Dick (2)

MLS NEXT PRO STANDINGS, WESTERN CONFERENCE (Through September 18)

(W,L,D, points) SOW*

1. y-St. Louis CITY 2 (15-6-3, 49 points) 1

2. s-Tacoma Defiance (16-6-4, 49 points) 3

3. x-Houston Dynamo 2 (14-5-5, 49 points) 2

4. x-North Texas SC (13-6-5, 46 points) 2

5. e-Earthquakes II (12-8-4, 41 points) 1

6. e-MNUFC2 (9-10-5, 36 points) 4

7. e-Whitecaps FC 2 (7-9-8, 32 points) 3

8. e-Sporting Kansas City 2 (9-12-3, 31 points) 1

9. e-Colorado Rapids 2 (7-11-6, 31 points) 4

10. e-Real Monarchs (6-14-4, 23 points) 1

11. e-Timbers2 (2-18-4, 14 points) 4

*Shoot Out Wins count as two points

y - Clinched #1 Conference Seed

s - Clinched Division Title

x - Clinched Playoffs

e - Eliminated from Playoffs

MNUFC2 POST GAME QUOTE SHEET

HEAD COACH CAMERON KNOWLES

On the challenges tonight against Earthquakes II and also what went well...

"First and foremost, it was disappointing. Disappointing to have that be the last 90 minutes that we play, and the score line. But, when you look at the way the game started, we had a great chance to start the game and then they have almost the identical chance down the other end a minute or so later and it ends up in the back of the net. I think that's sort of indicative of how the season has gone for us. We've been certainly punished for mistakes and we've not taken some of the chances that we've had. When you look at the game, the game's pretty even: the number of shots for both teams are pretty even, shots on goal pretty even. But obviously, the score line is lopsided. Credit to the guys for fighting and trying to get us back in it. But, it was certainly it was a disappointing way to finish out what's been a really strong season from the group."

On the Loons' response going into the second half...

"That's what we talked about. [Having] a little more urgency, a little more fight, a little bit more aggressive and then take our chances. Unfortunately, they didn't get the next goal, but we showed a bit more bite. We have to do that right from the start. We've been singing to that tune all year long. When we do that from the start, we're a very good team and we've shown that in the results when we've gone and played 90 minutes like that."

On his greatest takeaway of MNUFC2's inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro...

"We started something from scratch. When you think about the amount of people that have put time into this - from our organization, people that aren't on the field, people that don't get certainly a lot of credit from it - that had to work throughout the logistical challenges of getting a team off the ground and standing this thing up, it's been really impressive. Then, for the players that have come into a new environment and a new team and knowing each other and then dealing with the uncertainty week-to-week of players moving up and down and getting comfortable with that - also new staff coming in - I think it's just really impressive that we were able to have the year that we had. We had some strong performances throughout the season and I think that everyone can hold their heads high with this being the first year and getting this off the ground and getting it started."

On what is next for MNUFC2...

"We've got to build a stronger team and we've got to obviously make decisions on players that we're keeping and look at what we've got coming through the Academy that can help us. Looking into next year they'll [MNUFC Academy] play a number of games before we then turn around and start our preseason next year. Then we'll have some guys that will continue to train with us for the next month or so as well. We've just got to build on this. We've got a good foundation, we just need to improve the team and improve the infrastructure around the team."

MIDFIELDER DIOGO PACHECO

On tonight's loss against Earthquakes II...

"I feel like we knew it would be a tough game like it was away when we played them a few months ago. We had really good moments in the game, some really good periods where we could have scored. Their goals were our mistakes, I would say. So, that is definitely something we can get better at. We had some chances, but it was kind of frustrating when we didn't score those chances, then we had to run for the result. It was a tough match. [We] could have done better."

On the fight the Loons showed in the second half after being down 2-0...

"That goal [Tani Oluwaseyi's] was very important. We definitely played better once we scored. I actually thought we were going to score a second one really quick. It didn't come, and then they [Earthquakes II] scored and like I said, that's soccer. Sometimes you push too much to score and the other team gets the better of it. We've got to keep working hard. It was the last game and not the result we wanted to finish the season, but yeah, that's part of soccer."

On reflecting upon the first MLS NEXT Pro season...

"I think as a team, there were obviously good and bad moments. I think we started with those two losses, then we got those eight matches unbeaten; I'd say that was the best period of our season. Then we had some ups and downs. We were trying to figure out some stuff and injuries. Like Cam [Knowles] said, it was our first season, we started everything from zero. So, it's understandable that you would have periods of ups and downs. I feel like it was a good first season for the team and hopefully next year we can get everything better as a team. Individually, I think it was really good for me for my first professional year to start here and I'm really happy with the team, with the coaching staff and I really want to keep myself here to improve and help the team achieving better results next season."

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