Toyota Field – The Scorpions fell short to Minnesota United in a close 4-3 loss in front of 7,087 fans at Toyota Field Saturday night.
Though the Scorpions were always close behind, Minnesota scored the first goal in the 12th minute when forward Christian Ramirez scored with a shot that went past a diving Daryl Sattler. Shortly after, Marvin Chavez of the Scorpions scored off a corner kick to tie things up at one apiece.
That tie only lasted a few minutes until Justin Davis scored the second goal for Minnesota to take a 2-1 lead in the 22nd minute.
The Scorpions would not be shut down so easily though, and after a penalty was committed by Minnesota inside the box, Rafael Castillo stepped up and made the penalty kick in the 33rd to tie the game once again.
However, that tie would also be shortly-lived and also the last of the game after Kalif Alhassan scored for the Loons in minute 37 to take a 3-2 lead into halftime.
Minnesota dominated the second half scoring their fourth goal just four minutes into the half off a Kalif Alhassan attempt and defending the Scorpions the rest of the game.
In the 84th minute, another penalty shot was awarded to the Scorpions which Rafael Castillo attempted and made making the score 3-4 in favor of Minnesota. That would hold as the final goal of the game.
“I’m upset. I’m very upset,” Scorpions head coach Alen Marcina said after the game. “We gave them goals, those were giveaways they’re unacceptable. There’s no excuses. We give them goals, we dominated the game, we had the better chances. One of our best offensive performances tonight, but you give them gifts, and we’re constantly trying to come back. I’m upset. I’m very upset.”
One of the most notable points of the game occurred during stoppage time when Eric Hassli aggressively kicked the ball into the stands. Ultimately, Hassli received two yellow cards and a red card for his unsportsmanlike behavior, which of course means he will be out for the next match.
“We have to take responsibility, follow directions and carry it through,” Defender Adrian Cann said. “Quite frankly sometimes we’re hesitant, you know, mental lapses, what have you, and then before you know it it’s in the back of the net.”
The Scorpions are now 1-1-3 (4 points) on the season and will have a Fall Season bye next week. The team will return to the pitch in two weeks to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks on August 8.
