Jul 17, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Caden Clark (37) and D.C. United midfielder Jared Stroud (8) compete for the ball during the second half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Benteke’s goal in the first minute of stoppage time Wednesday night capped a brace and led visiting D.C. United to a 3-2 win over Minnesota United.
It was the second straight victory for D.C. United (6-11-8, 26 points) after an 11-match winless skid. Benteke’s feet were all over it as he erased Minnesota’s one-goal advantage in the 90th minute by servicing Aaron Herrera for a tying header.
Moments later, Benteke took care of matters himself as D.C. United won a road match for the first time since May 11, when it dumped Atlanta 3-2. D.C. United earned a 6-1 advantage in shots in the second half Wednesday.
Minnesota (8-10-6, 30 points) grabbed the lead in the 80th minute after a clumsy attempt at clearance gave Robin Lod a chance to set up late sub Teemu Pukki on the box’s right side. Pukki wired a shot off the right glove of goalie Alex Bono for a one-goal margin that didn’t hold up.
The outcome stretched Minnesota’s winless streak to nine matches. It’s 0-7-2 in that span and hasn’t won since June 1.
The main storyline prior to kickoff was Minnesota getting reinforcements for its lineup. Tani Oluwaseyi and goalie Dayne St. Clair returned to the roster after representing Canada during a good run at Copa America.
St. Clair got a difficult test that he couldn’t solve in the 14th minute. D.C. United’s Cristian Dajome picked up a giveaway and sent Benteke into open grass with a nice ball down the right side. Benteke nutmegged one defender and held off another one to beat St. Clair on the box’s right side.
But a whopping defensive gaffe gave Oluwaseyi the chance to equalize in the 32nd minute. A simple header near midfield by teammate Hassani Dotson caught D.C. way out of position. All alone as he navigated down the left side, Oluwaseyi clinically finished inside the box for his team-high eighth marker.
–Field Level Media
The game between D.C. United and Minnesota United on July 17, 2024, at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was a thrilling encounter that ended with a 3-2 victory for D.C. United. The match was filled with drama and excitement, with Christian Benteke playing a crucial role in securing the win for his team.
Benteke scored a brace, with his winning goal coming in the first minute of stoppage time. His performance was instrumental in D.C. United’s second consecutive victory after an 11-match winless streak. Benteke’s skill and determination were on full display as he erased Minnesota’s lead in the 90th minute before securing the win with a goal of his own moments later.
The victory was a significant one for D.C. United, as it marked their first road win since May 11. The team showed resilience and character in coming back from a goal down to secure all three points against a tough Minnesota United side.
The game was not without its share of drama, with Minnesota United taking the lead in the 80th minute through Teemu Pukki. However, D.C. United’s strong second-half performance and Benteke’s heroics ensured that they emerged victorious in the end.
The win extended Minnesota United’s winless streak to nine matches, highlighting the struggles they have faced in recent games. Despite their efforts, they were unable to hold onto their lead and were ultimately undone by D.C. United’s determined performance.
Overall, it was a thrilling and entertaining match that showcased the competitive nature of Major League Soccer. Both teams gave their all on the field, but in the end, it was D.C. United who emerged victorious thanks to Christian Benteke’s heroics.
