Dramatic Shootout Sees Minnesota United Advance in MLS Classic
In one of the most extraordinary matches of the MLS Cup playoffs, Minnesota United staged a remarkable comeback while playing with ten men to eventually defeat the Seattle Sounders in a penalty-kick shootout that stretched to an incredible eleven rounds. The match finished 3-3 after a breathless regulation time, with the shootout ultimately decided by the goalkeepers themselves.
Seattle's Flying Start and Minnesota's Resilient Response
The fifth-seeded Seattle Sounders began at a ferocious pace, determined to clinch the best-of-three series. Albert Rusnák opened the scoring in the 5th minute, assisted by Danny Musovski and Nouhou Tolo. The lead was swiftly doubled just three minutes later when Musovski found the net unassisted.
Minnesota United, the fourth seed, refused to capitulate. They pulled a goal back in the 19th minute when Joaquín Pereyra scored from a set piece, marking his first-ever postseason goal. The Loons' task became monumentally harder when defender Joseph Rosales was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the 41st minute, forcing them to play the remainder of the match a man down.
Shorthanded Heroics and Late Drama
Defying the odds, Minnesota United produced a stunning second-half turnaround. Jefferson Díaz scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute, and fellow defender Anthony Markanich, who had been a substitute for just twelve minutes, completed the comeback by putting the Loons ahead 3-2 in the 71st minute.
With the clock ticking down, Seattle finally made their numerical advantage count. Jordan Morris scored a late equaliser in the 88th minute, sending the match into a penalty shootout and setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Messi Magnificent as Inter Miami Crushes Nashville
In a simultaneous Eastern Conference decider, Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass, scoring twice and providing two assists to lead Inter Miami to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. The win seals a 2-1 series triumph and sends Messi's side into the conference semi-finals.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a superb strike from the edge of the box and doubled his tally just before half-time. After the break, he turned provider, setting up Tadeo Allende for two quick goals to put the result beyond doubt. Inter Miami now travels to face FC Cincinnati in a single-elimination semi-final.
Brenner Fires FC Cincinnati Past Columbus
In another tightly contested series, FC Cincinnati advanced by defeating rivals Columbus Crew 2-1. The match was marked by the retirement of Crew veteran Darlington Nagbe, a four-time MLS Cup winner. After falling behind in the 63rd minute, Cincinnati's Brenner Souza emerged as the hero, scoring an equaliser four minutes later and netting the dramatic winner in the 86th minute to send his team through.
