The Twos are flying high in the final stretch of the regular season, logging back-to-back 2-0 shutouts that have bumped them into play-in territory as they approach qualifying for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. At the helm of their most recent victory is forward Darius Randell, whose brace secured the full three points for the young Loons against Colorado Rapids 2.
Despite the Loons dominating most of the game, the first three quarters of the match passed scoreless as both squads struggled to convert. Then, in the 72nd minute, Mamadou Dieng headed Julian Gressel’s set piece delivery to Randell’s feet. Randell proceeded to fire the ball right past Rapids 2 keeper Zack Campagnolo, scoring at the near post and giving the home squad the lead, blowing the game wide open. With the attack energized by Randell’s goal, a push toward the final third just six minutes later saw Luke Hille secure the ball just outside the box. His smooth pass across allowed Randell to quickly control the ball and send it soaring past a diving keeper, cementing his brace and closing up the scoring on Minnesota’s second consecutive shutout.
Randell’s brace has brought him to a total of nine goals on the season, second only to Marcus Caldeira with 10. Randell and Caldeira also lead the club in assists with three apiece, while Randell leads shots and shots on target with 63 and 24, respectively. A mainstay for the MNUFC2 attack, Randell has appeared in 20 of the club’s 25 matches and consistently leads the front line with a steady presence and speed up the left side.
Saturday marked Randell’s second brace of the year, the other contributing to a 5-2 win over St. Louis CITY2 back in June. He’s scored three times in his last two matches and will be a crucial part of Minnesota’s push toward the playoffs with only three games remaining in the season. Currently sitting at ninth in the West, the young Loons are set to host Whitecaps FC 2 this Saturday, September 12, at National Sports Center Stadium.
