- Tani Oluwaseyi scores first career double (30’, 55’)
- Minnesota finishes March unbeaten with 3 wins, 2 draws
- Real Salt Lake outshot 7-3 despite 66% possession
Minnesota United FC cemented their status as early MLS contenders with a commanding 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field. The Loons’ perfect March campaign saw them climb to third in the Western Conference, fueled by Nigerian striker Tani Oluwaseyi’s breakout performance. Head coach Adrian Heath praised the team’s clinical finishing in critical momentsduring post-match remarks.
Oluwaseyi opened the scoring at the half-hour mark with a textbook header off Robin Lod’s curling cross, his connection with Jefferson Diaz’s overlapping run creating chaos in RSL’s penalty area. The 23-year-old forward doubled the lead early in the second half, sprinting 40 yards to convert Joaquín Pereyra’s through-ball with a composed left-footed finish. Minnesota’s defensive unit limited RSL to just 0.23 expected goals despite the visitors’ prolonged possession.
Real Salt Lake’s 66% possession advantage proved meaningless as Pablo Mastroeni’s squad registered only three shots on target. Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair recorded his fourth clean sheet of 2024, benefiting from center-back Michael Boxall’s league-leading 14 clearances. The Loons have now won 83% of matches where they surrender possession advantages exceeding 60% this season.
MLS Industry Insights
- Counterattacking teams average 1.8 goals/game vs 1.2 for possession-focused clubs (2024 Opta Data)
- Players under 25 account for 37% of MLS goals this season – a 12% increase from 2023
- Midwest clubs have 22% higher home win rates compared to coastal teams since 2022
A regional case study reveals Minnesota’s 4-2-3-1 formation thrives in colder climates, mirroring the Chicago Fire’s success with direct play at Soldier Field. The Loons have won 8 of their last 10 home matches dating to October 2023, leveraging artificial turf and crowd noise to disrupt possession-oriented opponents.
With this victory, Minnesota United joins Seattle Sounders FC as the only Western Conference teams yet to lose in March. Sporting director Mark Watson confirmed plans to extend Oluwaseyi’s contract through 2026, citing his league-leading 3.4 shots per 90 minutes among forwards. The Loons face FC Dallas next Saturday, while Real Salt Lake seeks redemption against Austin FC.