Minnesota United survived a game that seemed lost before it even began and wrote one of the most dramatic chapters of the 2025 MLS Cup. In an epic comeback with an unlikely script, the team defeated Seattle Sounders 7–6 on penalties after a 3–3 draw in regulation, securing a spot in the Western Conference semifinals. It had everything: two goals conceded in eight minutes, a red card before halftime, a reaction with ten men, and a finish decided between goalkeepers.
The comeback that changed everything
The match started at full speed, and Minnesota was in trouble right away. In the fifth minute, Albert Rusnák opened the scoring for Seattle after a slick passing move. Three minutes later, Danny Musovski doubled the lead from a poorly defended corner, pouncing on a rebound inside the box. Allianz Field fell silent. Any tactical plan was gone before ten minutes had even passed.
That’s when Minnesota reacted with something you can’t teach: pride. In the 19th minute, Pereyra struck a perfect free kick over the wall and into the corner past Stefan Frei, pulling his team back into the game. The goal changed the energy. Minnesota started fighting for every ball with intensity and courage. But the first half had more drama to come. Joseph Rosales was sent off in the 41st minute after a clash with Jesús Ferreira, leaving Minnesota with ten men.
Even so, head coach Eric Ramsay adjusted the team at halftime and kept the aggressive approach. They came back organized, disciplined, and confident that the impossible could still happen. In the 62nd minute, the equalizer arrived. Michael Boxall crossed from the right, Morris Duggan flicked it on, and Jefferson Díaz headed it home. The stadium erupted. Nine minutes later, the unthinkable happened. Anthony Markanich, who had come on in the second half, found space on a corner kick and headed in the go-ahead goal. Minnesota led 3–2 despite being a man down.
Seattle pushed forward, and Jordan Morris leveled the match in the 86th minute. Everything reset. Then came the penalties.
Drama, soul, and survival
The shootout was long and suffocating, ten kicks for each side. It finally ended when the goalkeepers stepped up. The MLS Goalkeeper of the Year sent his shot wide, and Seattle’s backup hit the post. The stadium exploded. Dayne St. Clair, who had already made key saves earlier in the series, converted the winning penalty and etched his name into club history.
“For us, to come out victorious in this way is something unbelievable,” Eric Ramsay said after the final whistle. “The players showed an incredible level of unity, team spirit, and the will to stay in the game, to get back up even after the tough blow of conceding that late equalizer.”
The coach also looked ahead. “Getting to this point, with everything still open and in great form, means we need to make the most of this advantage. We have to make sure what happened in last year’s semifinal doesn’t happen again.”