Story by
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Loons get late heroics to salvage a draw at Real Salt Lake
- Story byPioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
- Loons get late heroics to salvage a draw at Real Salt Lake
Minnesota United relied on Joaquin Pereyra and Marcus Caldeira to end a nine-match winless streak in all competitions on Tuesday. The Loons needed that duo again Saturday to salvage a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake in a return to MLS play at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
RSL forward Sergi Solans scored in the 82nd minute, but a desperation play in the 89th kept MNUFC from a defeat. Goalkeeper Drake Callender booted a long ball; substitute striker Marcus Caldeira nodded a flick-on header; and Joaquin Pereyra ran onto it and scored.
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Earlier this week, Caldiera provided two assists on Pereyra's two goals in a 3-1 win over Atlante in Leagues Cup.
Loons coach Cameron Knowles acknowledged on Friday that Caldeira's performance versus Atlante makes decisions on a starting XI tougher. But on Saturday, Knowles still began with Momo Dieng at striker. Kelvin Yeboah was inserted in the 71st minute; and Caldeira subbed on in the 86th.
"It's just a change we thought the game needed," Knowles said Saturday. "He came in when he did and he's had another good impact, so I'm really pleased for him. We'll continue to give him opportunities."
RSL (8-7-3, 28 points) has still only lost once (to Inter Miami and Lionel Messi ) in 11 home matches this season. MNUFC (6-7-6, 25 points) had some late heroics, but its winless lull in MLS is now eight matches.
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Callender's seven saves were instrumental in the draw.
"Absolutely kept us in it," Knowles said. "Alec ( Smir ) has played the last three games (in Leagues Cup) and Drake has had a bit of a break. I thought (Drake) was excellent, commanded his box, the saves he made. He had a really good night."
Minnesota managed only one shot on target in the first half, with Anthony Markanich 's chip, but it was saved off the goal line by Lukas Engel . RSL had two shots on target in the first half, but none after after the 17th minute.
Sergi Solans' goal came when he outmuscled Loons defender Michael Boxall and blasted a shot through Callender.
