Lod, Bran lead Minnesota United to 2-1 victory over Austin in opener
Minnesota United FC players celebrate as time expires in an MLS soccer match against Austin FC at Q2 stadium in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Aaron E. Martinez
AUSTIN, Texas — Robin Lod scored a first-half goal, Alejandro Bran debuted with a goal during second-half stoppage time and Minnesota United held off Austin FC 2-1 on Saturday night.
Lod scored in the 34th minute and Minnesota United took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Bran added an insurance goal in the first minute of stoppage and it came in handy when defender Guilherme Biro found the net four minutes later for Austin in his league debut.
Dayne St. Clair stopped one shot for Minnesota United. Brad Stuver had eight saves for Austin.
Minnesota United has not replaced manager Adrian Heath after going separate ways with two matches remaining last season. Cameron Knowles begins the season with an interim tag. Reports have the club interested in Manchester United assistant Eric Ramsay, who at age 32 would be the youngest head-coaching hire in league history.
Austin swept Minnesota United last season and that included its largest margin of victory on the road — 4-1.
Minnesota United will host the defending-champion Columbus Crew on March 2. Austin FC travels to play the Seattle Sounders on March 2.
Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (1) jumps on the ball during an MLS soccer match against Minnesota United FC at Q2 stadium in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Aaron E. Martinez
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