Loons edge Sacramento in 12 rounds of penalty kicks in U.S. Open Cup
Minnesota United outlasted Sacramento Republic in a stunning 12 rounds of penalty kicks Tuesday in the U. S. Open Cup round of 32 at Heart Health Field in Sacramento, Calif.
The Loons, which reached the semifinals of the 2025 national tournament, was facing elimination a few times in PKs, but Dominik Wanner pulled his shot wide for Minnesota to win 9-8. United advances to the Open Cup’s round of 16 on April 28 or 29. The opponent — either San Jose Earthquakes and Phoenix Rising — will be determined Wednesday.
Minnesota dominated possession (66-34%) and held an advantage in shots (16-9 total and 5-2 on target), but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard through 90 minutes and another 30 minutes of added extra time. Wanner had the game’s best chance in the 115th minute but his shot near the penalty spot went off the chest of Loons goalkeeper Alec Smir. James Rodriguez made his first start in a Loons shirt after missing the last two MLS matches due to extreme dehydration.
The Colombian star played 66 minutes alongside Mono Diego and Bongi Hlongwane, but in that threesome that has not played together, Rodriguez was credited with only one scoring chance created. The Loons made nine changes to its starting XI from the 2-1 win over San Diego FC in MLS action on Saturday. Only Owen Gene and Morris Duggan kept their places after a short turnaround.
Two USL Championship teams knocked off MLS sides on Tuesday. Louisville City pulled off a 2-1 upset of Austin, which beat Minnesota in the semifinals last year and Colorado Springs Switchbacks earned a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, New England needed penalty kicks to outlast Rhode Island.