ST. LOUIS — Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored in the first half, Kelvin Yeboah added another goal after halftime and Minnesota United defeated St. Louis City 3-1 on Saturday night for the Loons’ sixth road victory of the season.
Minnesota United beats St. Louis 3-1 to help set a club record for the most road goals (25) in a season
Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored in the first half, Kelvin Yeboah added another after halftime and the Loons benefited from an own goal for their sixth road victory of 2024.
By The Associated Press
The Loons (11-11-6) set a club record for the most road goals (25) in a season. Their six road victories and 20 points away from Allianz Field also tie franchise records.
“We are really pleased with the outcome. We knew it would be a really fast start from them, they obviously had to win to keep their season alive,” Loons coach Eric Ramsay said.
Hlongwane tied the score at 1-1 in the 24th minute. He deflected a pass, then picked up the rebound of Yeboah’s shot and bounced it over St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki.
The Loons then took a 2-1 lead on an own goal in the 52nd. Yeboah beat his defender along the left sideline to get to the corner of the 6-yard box for a cross in front of the goal that defender Jayden Reid knocked into the goal.
Yeboah calmly rolled in a penalty kick in the 62nd after a handball was called.
“We showed a lot of character, a lot of togetherness over the course of the game, a lot of adaptability and ability to move toward being a team, a team that can be much more balanced in how we play,” Ramsay said.
The victory began a stretch of six games for Minnesota United over a span of 22 days. The Loons, who hadn’t played since a 2-1 victory at San Jose on Aug. 31, began Saturday night holding the Western Conference’s final playoff position.
St. Louis (5-11-13) has given up 56 goals this season — already 11 more than last season with five games to play.
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The Associated PressPushing for a playoff spot, the Loons enter Saturday’s home match against Colorado with newcomer Kelvin Yeboah quickly establishing himself.