Minnesota United FC 1, Seattle Sounders FC 1 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders shared the points in a scintillating 1-1 draw Saturday night as the Loons remain unbeaten at Allianz Field.

Ike Opara put the Loons in front in the 26th minute, beating Chad Marshall to Jan Gregus’ lofted free kick and heading inside the far post.

Cristian Roldan leveled 16 minutes later with an absolute banger. The midfielder latched onto an attempted headed clearance by Opara and unleashed a sensational first-time strike from distance.

Both teams probed for the go-ahead goal in a wide-open second half with Rasmus Schuller lashing a left-footed shot wide of the post on a Gregus corner that bounced across the face of goal in the 64th minute.

Two minutes later, Eric Miller could only get a touch after Opara headed down another Gregus corner with his attempt deflecting off Brad Smith before Stefan Frei dived out to swat it away.

On the other side, Will Bruin headed a Nico Lodeiro cross off the post, followed quickly by a Lodeiro diving header that also caromed off the woodwork inside the final 10 minutes.

Goals

• 26’ — MIN — Ike Opara | WATCH
• 42’ — SEA — Cristian Roldan | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Few 1-1 draws were more entertaining with both teams committed to pressing for the winning goal, each making attacking substitutions in a thrilling second half. The Loons are unbeaten at their new home, but have won there just once, Meanwhile the Sounders are now winless in their last four — with three draws — after victories in five of their first six matches.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: For a couple of days, Roldan didn’t think he’d play in this one. But he made the most of a rescinded red card with this Goal of the Week candidate.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gregus was a playmaking machine, with every set piece taken a threatening one. He had 21 successful passes in the final third, six successful crosses and five interceptions as well as the assist on Opara’s goal.

Next Up

• MIN: Saturday, May 11 at Chicago Fire (3 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
• SEA: Saturday, May 11 vs. Houston Dynamo (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)