The teams from Group E of the MLS Is Back tournament had a rough night yesterday, as both Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati were eliminated from the round of 16.
Columbus Crew were dumped out in what was a shock loss to underdogs Minnesota United. While Columbus dictated the game from the start, Minnesota shocked the dominant side as Robin Lod scored the opening goal after 18 minutes of play. After nearly a dozen shots, Columbus were finally able to level the scoreline in the 79th minute when Gyasi Zardes slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Unfortunately, neither team was able to find the back of the net in extra time, resulting in the game going to penalties. After Columbus missed just one penalty, Minnesota’s Chase Gasper scored the sixth goal in order to catapult his side into the quarter-finals. While Columbus dominated proceedings during the group stages, Minnesota came runners up in what was a competitive Group C.
Group E runners up FC Cincinnati came up against Group D winners Portland Timber in their fixture. While the dominant Portland took 19 shots in total, the match favorite was only able to find the back of the net in the 67th minute. In the 81st minute, a foul from inside the box handed Cincinnati a penalty, that Jurgen Locadia happily converted. Like their local rivals Columbus, Cincinnati also exited the tournament in a heartbreaking fashion, losing 5-3 on penalties to the Oregon-based side.
