It was a much different home opener for Minnesota United FC the second time around. Last year's blizzard gave way to a sunny day, which also saw the Loons defeat the Chicago Fire 2-1 at TFC Bank Stadium.
A scoreless game was broken in the 55th minute when Ibson put in his own rebound for his first MLS goal. Chicago rookie Elliot Collier – making his first start – equalized shortly after, only to see United's Sam Nicholson head in the eventual game-winner at the back post off a nice cross from Ethan Finlay.
Chicago were without midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger as he and his wife are expecting.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: We're only a few weeks into this season, but it's already a much better start for Minnesota than last year. They've now won back-to-back games for only their second time since joining the league in 2017, and they move above .500 for the first time in their MLS history.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Although scoreless at the half, one could sense goals were coming. And it opened up around the 50th minute when Minnesota forced a number of saves from Chicago goalkeeper Richard Sanchez before Ibson pushed through his own rebound. Two more goals followed.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: A question coming in was how Minnesota would replace the production of midfielder Kevin Molino, who is out for the year with a torn ACL. At least for today, Sam Nicholson took the lead. Among his team-high four shots was his game-winner.
Up Next
- MIN: Saturday, March 24 at New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET | TV & Streaming Information)
- CHI: Saturday, March 31 vs Portland Timbers (6 pm ET | TV & Streaming Information)
