Loons Pull Off Thrilling Upset Over Seattle, Advance in MLS Playoffs

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Minnesota United has triumphed over the Seattle Sounders in a nail-biting penalty shootout, securing their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The match, held at Allianz Field on November 4, 2023, saw the Loons rally from a daunting early deficit to clinch the victory 7-6 in penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw.

The game began explosively for Seattle, who scored twice within the first eight minutes, leaving Minnesota fans anxious. However, the Loons displayed remarkable resilience, becoming the first team in MLS Cup history to tie and then take the lead after a player was sent off.

In a heart-stopping series of penalty kicks, Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair scored his attempt while Seattle’s Andrew Thomas hit the crossbar, sealing Minnesota’s victory. “I definitely blacked out in the moment,” St. Clair admitted after the match.

The Loons’ journey to this point was anything but straightforward. After losing Game 2 of the series 4-2, Minnesota faced tremendous pressure. They initially fell behind 2-0 but clawed back with a sensational free-kick goal from Joaquín Pereyra, who struck from 29 yards out in the 19th minute. “There was no other outcome: I had to score this goal,” Pereyra stated, reflecting on his decisive contribution.

The situation worsened for Minnesota when Joseph Rosales received a red card for violent conduct just before halftime, leaving the team with ten men for the rest of the match. Yet, in an incredible display of determination, the Loons equalized through a header from Jefferson Díaz in the 62nd minute, who had not scored in 36 regular-season matches since joining Minnesota.

The match reached a fever pitch when Jordan Morris tied the game for Seattle with just two minutes remaining, but the Loons held their ground, forcing penalties.

Loons head coach Eric Ramsay described the match as “insane,” praising his players for their spirit and togetherness. “For where we were at halftime to be where we are now is a phenomenal situation,” he remarked.

With this victory, Minnesota United advances to the Western Conference semifinals, facing the winner of the San Diego-Portland series on November 22 or 23, with Game 3 of that series taking place Sunday night.

As the Loons celebrate this monumental win, fans are left buzzing with excitement as they look forward to what lies ahead in the playoffs. The thrilling conclusion of this match is sure to be a highlight of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.