One moment in a match can determine the final result. That was the case for MNUFC2 on Saturday night when it conceded a penalty kick goal in the first half to the Houston Dynamo 2, eventually dropping three points by a final score of 1-0.

On a night where the Loons held almost 60 percent of possession and sent in 11 crosses compared to Houston’s eight, the difference came in the 25th minute when a foul in the box awarded the visitors a penalty kick attempt. The attempt was converted by Kyle Edwards, giving the Dynamo 2 side the 1-0 lead. The Loons saw plenty of action in the attacking third, but it wasn’t to be, as the four shots on target came up empty. MNUFC2 goalkeeper Fred Emmings made his return in the net for the first time since June, notably making nine saves against the Texas side that put 10 shots on target against him.

With the loss, MNUFC2 remains in the fifth position in the MLS Next Pro Western Conference standings (8-8-5, 33 points) and is still in contention for the playoffs (top four teams in the conference qualify).

MNUFC2 next hosts North Texas SC on Saturday, September 3 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota following the conclusion of the MNUFC vs FC Dallas match. Kick is set for 6:00 p.m. CT, and the contest will be streamed live at www.mlsnextpro.com.

GOALS
0-1 HOU – Kyle Edwards (PK, 26’)

DISCIPLINAIRY SUMMARY
Yellow, MIN – Ignacio Gutierrez (25’)
Yellow, MIN – Abu Danladi (45’+4’)
Yellow, HOU – Xavier Valdez (45’+4’)
Yellow, MIN – Justin McMaster (67’)
Yellow, HOU – Juan Castilla (80’)
Yellow, MIN – Carlos Leatherman (85’)
Yellow, MIN - Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi (87’)
Yellow, MIN – Tommy Williamson (90’+3’)
Yellow, HOU – Isaiah LeFlore (90’+4’)

NOTABLE STATS
9 – MNUFC2 goalkeeper Fred Emmings made nine saves against the Houston Dynamo 2 in his first start since the June 26 contest at North Texas SC.

TEAM LEADERS (Updated through August 27)
Goals – Tommy Williamson (9)
Assists – Aziel Jackson (7)
Saves – Fred Emmings (42)
Wins – Fred Emmings & Alec Smir (3)
Shutouts – Eric Dick (2)