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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After a self-proclaimed five minutes of madness against FC Dallas two weeks ago, Minnesota United had 15 minutes of meltdown in a 4-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
It leaves the Loons’ playoff outlook melancholy.
From the 31st minute to the 45th in the first half, the Loons allowed three goals. A Johnny Russell shot went to Dayne St. Clair, but the Loons goalkeeper couldn’t catch it. The ball bounced off Michael Boxall for an own goal. Boxall was also a victim of an own goal in the Dallas defeat.
After a Russell shot hit the post, K.C. won the ball back and Eric Thommy got Wil Trapp to commit and then went around him and fired in a goal from distance in the 41st minute.
Then just before halftime, William Agada beat Brent Kallman and St. Clair to a header for a 3-0 lead.
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Loons forward Mender Garcia scored his first MLS goal in the 57th minute. He picked off a half volley off a cross from Kemar Lawrence.
The thread of hope was cut under when Agada added his second goal in the 81st minute to make it 4-1. Kervin Arriaga’s turnover caught the rest of the Loons defense flatfooted and SKC pounced.
The Loons lost two defenders to apparent injuries, too. Kallman, who’s foot needed medical attention in the second half, left in the 81st minute; Kemar Lawrence, who also had his leg looked at, left at the same time.
The Loons were without star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Minnesota has had 11 players suspended for cards this season and they have one win and seven defeats.
Minnesota was also without Robin Lod, who was out with a calf injury suffered in the 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC on Tuesday.
The Loons went with a 4-3-3, with a midfield three of Wil Trapp, Arriaga and Joseph Rosales and a front three of Franco Fragapane, Luis Amarilla and Garcia.
Briefly
MNUFC backup goalkeeper Tyler Miller was back in Minnesota on Saturday to be with his pregnant wife.
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