The inaugural season had its ups and downs as the Loons found their way in a new league. Although not on this list, the Snow Opener deserves an honorable mention for one of the top matches in 2017. With 30,000+ fans in attendance, and snow falling on the pitch, MNUFC played its first ever MLS match in true Minnesotan style. Earlier in 2017, the Snow Opener was voted by fans as the Minnesota Corn Growers Top Moment of 2017.
Here’s what made our list for the top matches of 2017:
Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake | April 1, 2017
Minnesota United had a difficult start to its inaugural campaign, losing its first two matches to the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United. MNUFC fans had to wait until Week 5 of MLS play to see their team earn three points, when doubts about the team were brushed aside in fantastic fashion with a rout of Real Salt Lake. A brace by Christian Ramirez and goals from Kevin Molino and Johan Venegas led the Loons to a 4-2 win – the first of 10 wins the Loons would tally in 2017.
Minnesota United vs. Orlando City SC | May 27, 2017
It was a special match that brought the Loons within two points of the red line in the Western Conference. Christian Ramirez tallied the lone goal in the match as he calmly dribbled around Joe Bendik, cut inside and sent the ball into the back of the net, giving MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath three points against his former team in shutout fashion.
Minnesota United FC vs. Portland Timbers | June 21, 2017
After falling to the Timbers to start the season, MNUFC bounced back in June and defeated Portland at home in a match that had just about everything. Minnesota United had gone three matches without a goal before Amobi Okugo helped out the Loons with an own goal in the seventh minute. MNUFC built on that early lead with strikes from Christian Ramirez and Abu Danladi to take all three points from the match. Play slowed a bit following a 70th minute scuffle wherein Danladi and Sebastian Blanco each received red cards. Triumphant, MNUFC carried momentum forward into its next match earning a 2-2 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Minnesota United at Chicago Fire | August 26, 2017
Minnesota United handed the Chicago Fire its fourth-straight loss in late August while earning its first win on the road in MLS play. Following a mid-season transaction, Ethan Finlay showed Minnesota fans why the club was so keen to sign him with an outstanding and passionate performance, but it was Abu Danladi that stole the show with a two-goal performance in front of 1,000+ traveling MNUFC supporters.
Minnesota United at Atlanta United | October 3, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was one of the most difficult places to go and get a result in 2017, with Atlanta United earning five wins and one draw while outscoring its opponents 22-3 leading into the match against Minnesota United. But the Loons would not go gently into that good night – grinding to a 3-2 win in front of a stunned Atlanta United crowd with Abu Danladi and Christian Ramirez finding the back of the net before Kevin Molino found the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
