Minnesota United tops New York Red Bulls for first win of the season

Luis Amarilla scored an all-important goal while Dayne St. Clair stopped the six shots he faced as Minnesota United earned a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls.

Mounting injuries and illness forced Minnesota United FC and head coach Adrian Heath to play a different lineup in a third consecutive match, this time facing off against the high-powered New York Red Bulls, a feisty crowd, and a dash of New Jersey snow in the 2022 home opener at Red Bull Arena.

Both Bakaye Dibassy (ankle) and Oniel Fisher (thigh) were absent from the MNUFC backline after playing all 180 minutes of the club’s first two matches. DJ Taylor got his first start of the season at right back, while Hassani Dotson dropped back to the left back position after spending the previous two matches in the midfield. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller came down with the flu and wasn’t well enough to play, so backup Dayne St. Clair started in net for the Loons. Honduran International Kervin Arriaga returned to the midfield after missing the home opener with an injured thorax and started alongside captain Wil Trapp.

St. Clair needs to be the first player mentioned, as the backup keep for Minnesota made his mark on the game in the early-going and played brilliantly all night. Seeking their first 3-0 start in franchise history, the Red Bulls came out on the front foot and unleashed a barrage of offense from the opening whistle on the Minnesota defense.

United improved to 1-0-2 following the victory and the Red Bulls dropped to 2-1-0.