Minnesota United FC Makes History, Becomes First MLS Next Pro Team to Advance to US Open Cup Semifinals
Loons Upset FC Dallas in Penalty Shootout
Historic Victory Marks First Time a Lower-Division Team Reaches Semifinals in 12 Years
In a stunning upset, Minnesota United FC, the only MLS Next Pro team remaining in the US Open Cup, has advanced to the semifinals after defeating FC Dallas in a penalty shootout on Tuesday night.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating chances throughout the 120 minutes of regulation and extra time. However, neither team could find a winning goal, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Minnesota United FC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to help his team advance to the semifinals. The Loons will now face the winner of the match between Sacramento Republic FC and the San Jose Earthquakes.
This is the first time a lower-division team has reached the semifinals of the US Open Cup since 2010, when the Charleston Battery, then of the USL Second Division, made it to the final four.
"This is a historic moment for our club," said Minnesota United FC head coach Adrian Heath. "We've shown that we can compete with anyone, and we're excited to continue our run in the US Open Cup."
The semifinal match will be played on August 9th at a site to be determined.
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