An overtime equalizer saved Minnesota United a point in their MLS home opener.
Teemu Pukki was substituted after an hour of play. PDO
Teemu Pukki failed to score his opening goal of the season in Minnesota United’s home opener against the Columbus Crew.
The Suomalaistahtahti missed a drive in the seventh minute of the match, the best goal-scoring position in the entire opening period.
Colombian national team striker Cucho Hernández gave the visitors the lead with a fine effort into the bottom corner just under the hour mark.
United interim manager Cameron Knowles replaced Puki even before the game started again.
The match was about to end with an away win for the reigning champion, until extra time in extra time Tani Oluwaseyi lofted the ball superbly into the back top corner. It was the young Nigerian’s first goal in the MLS league.
He was also the one who replaced Puk on the field.
The 1-1 final result keeps the loss column of both teams still intact.
After the match, Pukki had already changed into his civilian clothes while his teammates were still in the shower.
– A good puncher. I had a little application myself, but it was an important point for us, Pukki admitted.
– However, he was against last season’s champion. The first period was really strong from us and I could have scored myself.
I was particularly impressed with the missed goal in the opening period.
– The goalkeeper was well received in that. Of course, I could have done something better myself. Didn’t sink this time, Pukki confessed.
– Maybe when I was younger I was more emotional like that. Back then, the game could get messed up, but it doesn’t happen anymore. It doesn’t stay in sleep. Thoughts about the game are already forgotten when I get home.
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Reporter Matthew Johnson appreciates Puki’s playing without the ball as well. JANNE PALOMÄKI
However, Puk’s importance is not only limited to the goals he scores.
– Now Minnesota United has a real target attacker who already has experience scoring goals. It significantly changes the game of opponents because defenders are forced to follow him. Puki’s move therefore frees up more space for other United players on the field, the reporter of Minnesota’s Northern Soccer Journal Matthew Johnson said.
– In addition, thanks to his athleticism, he can get to the acting places. We haven’t had a striker before who could time his runs so perfectly, Johnson continued.
United’s second Finnish star Robin Lod was not in the lineup at all because of his sore leg.