Danladi scores late as Loons tie Lions

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:21 am

Abu Danladi's stoppage-time equalizer salvaged a point for Minnesota United in a 1-1 draw with visiting Orlando City on Saturday.

In the game's 92nd minute, a long throw-in took a deflection in front of net and fell to the feet of Danladi, who converted the chance for his second goal of the season.

Two minutes later, a video review in the 94th minute erased an Orlando City penalty kick opportunity. Chase Gasper was called for a handball in the box, though the penalty decision was reversed due to an offsides in the lead-up to the play.

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Orlando benefited from a penalty kick to earn its first goal, when Nani was brought down in the box by Minnesota defender Ike Opara in the 70th minute. Nani proceeded to bury the penalty kick for his ninth goal of the season.

The non-call and late concession in extra time will weigh heavy on Orlando City (9-11-7, 34 points) as the Lions chase their first postseason berth. Orlando remains outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture, tied with seventh-place Montreal in points but behind on a tiebreaker.

The draw cost Minnesota United (12-8-6, 42 points) a chance to ensure that they remain in second place in the Western Conference through the weekend.

Minnesota's 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday saw the Loons score just once from 27 shots, and this same lack of finishing efficiency was again on display against Orlando. Minnesota United outshot the Lions by a 22-5 margin, with 15 of those shots coming in the first half.

Abu Danladi
Abu Danladi
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Loons' attack was hampered by an early exit from Angelo Rodriguez. The striker was removed in the 28th minute after suffering an apparent hamstring injury, with Danladi taking Rodriguez's place.

Orlando City goalkeeper Brian Rowe delivered a strong performance to keep his team in the game. Rowe's five saves included knocking away a dangerous Darwin Quintero shot in the 30th minute, and also a close-range chance from Robin Lod in the 65th minute.

Minnesota is 8-1-5 on its home pitch this season. Nani's goal snapped Minnesota United's streak of 475 straight minutes without conceding a goal at home.

Mauricio Pereyra made his MLS debut, coming on at halftime as a substitute for Robinho for Orlando City. Pereyra signed a Designated Player contract on July 30.