Minnesota United Draws 2-2 with Austin FC in Late Match Drama

Anthony Markanich and Joaquin Pereyra scored late goals for Minnesota United, but the team settled for a 2-2 tie against Austin FC on Sunday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Austin’s Christian Ramirez netted the equalizer in the 79th minute, while teammate Myrto Uzuni scored during the first half.

James Rodriguez provided assists on both goals for Minnesota (6-3-3, 21 points), which has now gone 5-1-1 in its last seven matches and currently sits fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Rodriguez had a chance to secure the win but failed to convert a header from inside the box.

Austin (3-3-5, 14 points) aimed to extend its winning streak to three matches, with the previous two resulting in shutouts. For 65 minutes, the team looked poised for victory.

The draw places Austin 10th in the West, one point shy of ninth and two points away from eighth.

Both Austin’s Brad Stuver and Minnesota’s Drake Callender recorded three saves during the match.

Uzuni scored his team-leading fifth goal on a penalty kick just 14 minutes into the match, following a handball by Minnesota’s Nectarios Triantis.

Minnesota had a chance to equalize around 13 minutes later, but scoring leader Kelvin Yeboah’s penalty shot hit the crossbar.

Markanich finally got Minnesota on the scoreboard with his fourth goal of the season in the 69th minute, heading in a ball delivered by Rodriguez, with Wil Trapp providing a secondary assist.

The Loons continued to press forward, and Pereyra added another goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Facundo Torres.

The two teams had previously played to a 2-2 draw to kick off the season in February in Austin.

Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday, with Minnesota hosting Colorado and Austin traveling to face San Diego as part of a two-match week.