Rusnák's late goal lifts Sounders over Minnesota United 1-0
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota United FC have suffered three straight losses, but they don't get long to recover.
Tuesday, they'll be facing the USL's Detroit City in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.
The annual tournament is open to 100 clubs from nearly all levels of pro soccer in the country. The winner goes to the continent-wide Champions League tournament. Winning there means auto-qualifying for quarterfinals of the Club World Cup.
The Seattle Sounders won both last year, and the Sounders beat Minnesota Saturday night thanks to a goal from Albert Rusnák in the 79th minute.
The Loons played them closely. This wasn't a question of effort. They played their game plan acceptably, but they weren't able to break Seattle for a clear scoring chance.
The Sounders, in turn, had to really work for scoring opportunities. For a team that's been as internationally successful as Seattle, Minnesota not letting them run wild is notable.
Don't call it a moral victory, because that's a terrible concept. Call it Minnesota finding its baseline and learning how to aim higher.
"I thought our defensive shed was excellent. Thought the back four marshaled the attacking threat very, very well," said Coach Adrian Heath. "A lapse at the end in the throw-in allowed the ball to come into peoples' feet, and then [Rusnák] sets it up. It's a good finish for them, but disappointing from our point of view."
In the week ahead, they're already in Detroit. They will play Tuesday, then head home to host FC Dallas on Sunday.
