MNUFC2 captured their first home regular-season win in 2024 against Ventura County FC at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. Loïc Mesanvi scored the only goal of the match two minutes into second-half added stoppage time to give MNUFC2 the 1-0 win.
MNUFC2 took the first shot of the match in the ninth minute after Loïc Mesanvi gained possession when the ball bounced around on top of the 18-yard box. Mesanvi fired off a right footed shot just outside the six-yard box that missed high of the goal.
Within the same minute, Ventura County FC sent a long ball over the top where Sean Karani connected with a header to goal but aimed too far to the right goalpost, going out of play and was eventually called offside.
The Twos nearly scored in the 17th minute after they brought the ball up the left side of the pitch from Morris Duggan on the back line to Derek Dotson in the midfield who found Patrick Weah on the left flank. Weah dribbled to the endline and around VCFC defenders where he dropped the ball back to the six-yard line where Mesanvi had a wide open shot that missed wide of the far goalpost.
Weah then had a goal scoring opportunity in the 22nd minute after he settled the ball off his chest, taking space into the attacking third where he tried to curve the ball past VCFC goalkeeper, but was unsuccessful.
Yet again, MNUFC2 had another scoring opportunity that didn’t find the back of the net after Mesanvi, on the right flank, tried to cross the ball in but deflected off a VCFC defender back into his possession. Mesanvi dribbled inside, passing it off to Molik Jesse Khan on the 18-yard line for a shot on goal, but was saved by Ventura County goalkeeper, Brady Scott.
MNUFC2 struggled to find the back of the net in the first half despite having multiple opportunities, out-shooting them six shots to four. Ventura County FC had a higher possession of the ball despite that the Twos have struggled to get a lead on the scoreboard. The opposing team, Ventura County FC, contained possession of the ball for the majority of the half but were given minimal chances to capitalise on goal due to our defensive line holding strong while shutting down opportunities to goal by VCFC.
Within a two-minute span around the 70th minute, Ventura County FC had two close range scoring opportunities that were both saved by Fred Emmings to keep the score even at 0-0.
MNUFC2 then had two consecutive close shots on goal after Mesanvi shot near the six-yard line, hitting the crossbar. The ball deflected back out into play in the left corner for Weah to cross the ball back to Mesanvi, but he missed the ball.
Two minutes into added second-half stoppage time, Mesanvi scored the game winner. He settled a long ball over from the back line where he took free space, beating two defenders and chipping the ball into the goal to ultimately lead the Twos to the 1-0 victory.
GOALS
1-0 MNUFC2 – Loïc Mesanvi, assisted by Zarek Valentin (90’ + 2’)
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
Caution, MNUFC2 – Derek Dodson (11’)
Caution, VCFC – Marcus Ferkranus (25’)
Caution, MNUFC2 – Molik Jesse Khan (34’)
Caution, VCFC – Isaiah Parente (61’)
Caution, VCFC – Riley Dalgado (83’)
Caution, MNUFC2 – Loïc Mesanvi (90’+ 3’)
NOTABLE STATS
1 – Head Coach Jeremy Hall recorded his first MLS NEXT Pro victory as head coach in today’s win over Ventura County FC
1 – MNUFC2 earned its first regular-season shutout today, with a combined seven saves between goalkeepers Clint Irwin and Fred Emmings
TEAM LEADERS (Updated through May 12)
Goals – Carlos Harvey, Patrick Weah (3)
Assists – Molik Jesse Khan (2)
Saves – Alec Smir (15)
Wins – Alec Smir, Clint Irwin, Fred Emmings (1)
Shutouts – Clint Irwin, Fred Emmings (1)
