Minnesota draw with Whitecaps to extend unbeaten streak

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:21 am

Unable to deliver a finishing touch, Minnesota United FC still managed to extend its unbeaten streak to six games with a 0-0 tie on Saturday against the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps.

It was the second consecutive tie for Minnesota United (10-7-5, 35 points) after four consecutive victories, keeping the club without a defeat since a 1-0 setback at Colorado on June 8.

The Whitecaps (4-11-9, 21 points) halted their run of five consecutive defeats, as Vancouver was able to move out of a last-place tie with Colorado in the Western Conference. The Whitecaps lead MLS in tied games and earned their first point since June 26 at FC Dallas.

Minnesota United is now 6-1-4 in its first season at its new Allianz Field. After their only home loss of the season June 2 against the Philadelphia Union, the Loons won three consecutive games heading into Saturday's matchup.

Minnesota United dominated the run of play, taking 16 shots to Vancouver's eight. Further evidence of Minnesota United's clear advantage on possession: a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks and 37 crosses to Vancouver's nine.

Miguel Ibarra
Miguel Ibarra
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota United had a prime scoring chance in the 73rd minute, but Mason Toye's quick right-footed shot from just in front of the goal, sailed high over the crossbar. In the 84th minute, they had another good look at a goal, but Ike Opara's header hit the crossbar and Miguel Ibarra's shot off the rebound was high.

One last shot by Minnesota United's Darwin Quintero in the third minute of stoppage time was saved by Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

The Whitecaps were able to keep the Loons off the scoreboard despite losing defender Doneil Henry early in the game. Henry took a knee to the back from Quintero in the sixth minute and played another five minutes before he left the game with a back contusion.

Quintero was not disciplined for his knee to Henry, but he did receive a yellow card in the 67th minute for a hand ball and will be forced to miss next weekend's key Western Conference matchup at home against the Portland Timbers because of an accumulation of cautions.