Minnesota United FC picked up their first win in five matches with a 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field on Sunday.
Though the hosts eventually won the match, it was the visitors who started strongly. RSL spent much of the opening 30 minutes dominating possession and creating chances, including a 12th minute effort from Giuseppe Rossi that goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved in his MLS debut. To make matters worse for Minnesota in the early stretch of the match, captain Osvaldo Alonso had to come off in the 18 minute with an injury.
By the midway point of the first half, though, the Loons had not just settled into the match but even began to dominate. Though the sides ended the half level, momentum was fully on Minnesota's side.
The hosts picked up from where they left off in the second half and quickly got their reward with a goal from left back Chase Gasper in the 53rd minute. Molino sent a ball into the penalty area knowing Gasper was making the run, and the defender finished from the left side fo the box. Nine minutes later, Robin Lod scored his fourth goal of the season after making a run into the penalty area to finish at an angle, similar to Gasper's goal.
Minnesota added to their lead with a goal in the 74th minute courtesy of Jacori Hayes, and capped things off with a goal from Lod in the 90th minute.
Goals
- 53' - MIN - Chase Gasper | WATCH
- 62' - MIN - Robin Lod | WATCH
- 75' - MIN - Jacori Hayes | WATCH
- 90' - MIN - Robin Lod | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Minnesota snapped a four match losing streak, and did so resoundingly with a second half performance that saw just about everything go right for them. Minnesota's success is RSL's failure, though, in a match that started positively but ended in a second half worth forgetting.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Minnesota were already enjoying themselves by the time Jacori Hayes scored the Loons' third goal, but the work Kevin Molino and Raheem Edwards put in during the buildup made the goal one of the best you'll see this weekend.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Involved in three of the team's four goals and picking up two assists, Kevin Molino was easily the standout performer for the Loons on an impressive night.
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