Kansas City, Kan. — Kevin Molino scored two of Minnesota United’s three goals in the span of twelve minutes, leading the Loons over Sporting Kansas City for their first-ever trip to the Western Conference Finals. Emmanuel Reynoso assisted on all three goals for the loons.
Kevin Molino brace leads Minnesota United over Sporting KC
His nickname is hot boy for a reason. Molino’s runs out of the midfield are scorching hot, and twice burned Sporting KC with impeccable timing on through balls from Emmanuel Reynoso. His first goal turned the game on its head.
Sporting KC had been dominating the first twenty minutes. Sporting arguably could’ve been three or four goals ahead by the time Molino struck his first. Johnny Russell could’ve had a hattrick at that point, and Dayne Saint-Clair had made 3 incredible saves, Michael Boxall cleared multiple off the line.
Saint Clair’s save probably is what turned the tide. Just after saving a Johnny Russell one on one situation, the recycled play from a corner kick led to a cross at the backpost, and a great downward header into the bottom corner from Roberto Puncec. Somehow, DSC got his hands behind the ball, inside the goal, just enough to keep the whole of the ball from crossing the line. It was from there that the tides seemed to turn.
In the 27th minute, Sporting KC’s line was all out of shape and a through ball to Molino took them to task. It was an easy finish in a 1v1 against Melia. The second one was a bit more unconventional, but none the less, a crafty finish to make it 2-0. Dibassy added one shortly after on a corner kick.
This finish from Kevin Molino is special 🤩
Follow @MLS for more pic.twitter.com/U9gj8uL4ym
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 4, 2020
Minnesota United comfortably saw out the rest of the match, as Sporting KC couldn’t quite mount another solid attack. Minnesota United will face Seattle Sounders, in Seattle, for their first trip to the Western Conference Finals.
