Sports

Photos: Oluwaseyi's stoppage-time goal gives Minnesota United 1-1 draw with Columbus Crew

Two soccer players fight for the control of the ball.
Minnesota United attacker Teemu Pukki battles Columbus defender Steven Moreira for the ball on Saturday in the team's home opener against Columbus at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
Shannon Rathmanner for MPR News

Tani Oluwaseyi’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time gained Minnesota United a 1-1 tie with Columbus Crew on Saturday. 

Oluwaseyi rushed to a loose ball outside the right side of the goal box and scored with a left-footed shot past goalie Patrick Schulte into the top left corner to get the equalizer for Minnesota (1-0-1) against defending champ Columbus (1-0-1).

MLS Cup MVP Cucho Hernández, who had the Crew's goal in a 1-0 season-opening win over Atlanta, scored off an assist from Yaw Yeboah, with his center-on shot from just outside the box going into the bottom left corner of the net. Hernández has a goal contribution in 10 straight matches, including last season's playoffs.

The Crew outshot United 12-8, with six shots on goal to four for United. Dayne St. Clair made five saves for Minnesota and Schulte three.

Minnesota United fans were eager to see their team play after a long offseason.

“Last season was a little less exciting than the ones before so I’m hoping this season is going to be good,” four-year fan Jacob Conlin said. “I’m hoping we hit the ground running.”

Like many fans, Conlin was decked out in Loons gear, including the popular team scarf. He was excited to get back into the Supporters Section where fans stand for the game.

“We just feel united as one when we’re in a good mood and everyone’s playing well,” Conlin said. “It’s just magical.”

Cam Knowles continued in his role as Minnesota’s interim coach. Monday, the team announced that Manchester United assistant Eric Ramsey had been hired as coach but is still awaiting his work visa. United fired Adrian Heath last October after the Loons missed the playoffs.

Next Saturday, Minnesota plays at Orlando City.