Loons Strike Early to Beat Revs

Photo Credit: Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC 2-New England Revolution 1

Minnesota United secured its second win in five days thanks to goals from Christian Ramirez and Darwin Quintero following Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution.

Ramirez opened the account inside of five minutes while Ramirez tallied in the 45+1 minutes to give the Loons a multi-goal lead at the break. The Revolution responded with a Diego Fagundez penalty strike in the 52nd minute.

Minnesota improved its record to 9-11-1 (28 points) while New England, who dropped its second straight loss, fell to 7-6-7 (28 points).

The Loons entered the match fresh off a wild win over Salt Lake, and looked poised to continue their offensive success Wednesday. Pitted against a depleted Revolution side that didn’t have Luis Caicedo and Cristian Penilla due to red card suspensions, the hosts didn’t waste time setting the tone.

A defensive gaffe by Jalil Anibaba opened the door for Ramirez, who pounced on Anibaba’s wayward header before he ran at goal and pounded it past Matt Turner in the fifth minute.

Despite the early mistake, the guests tested Bobby Shuttleworth throughout. Fagundez, Scott Caldwell, and Gabriel Somi all made bids for the equalizer, but their efforts weren’t enough to level it.

While New England may have been wasteful, Minnesota was just the opposite right before the half. In a remarkable sequence in which he eluded now fewer than four defenders, Quintero concluded his display by sending his shot inside the far post.

A two-goal lead may be the most dangerous in soccer, and no doubt New England attempted to prove that axiom true in the second stanza.

Following a Fagundez free kick, Kelyn Rowe was fouled inside the edge of the box while attempting to chase down the remnants. Moments later, Fagundez converted from the spot to pull his squad within one.

But the 52nd minute penalty was the closest the Revolution would get to the Loons. Shuttleworth, who was traded by New England to Minnesota before the 2016 season, was tested twice more before it was all said and done.

Minnesota will look to make it three in a row against Los Angeles FC on Sunday while New England hopes to right the ship against New York Red Bulls on Saturday.