ST. LOUIS — Luis Amarilla could have had reason to be timid — his final touch has not been sharp this season, including on Saturday — but the Paraguayan blasted his penalty kick into the back of the net.
Amarilla went straight down the middle to convert from the spot in the 78th minute to give St. Louis City its first defeat as an MLS expansion franchise, 1-0, at lively CityPark.
Minnesota ended a perfect start for St. Louis and the Loons (3-0-2) have now won three straight road games for the second time in the club’s MLS history (June-July 2022).
Amarilla also won the PK after being taken down in the box by Kyle Hiebert. Amarilla scored his second goal of the season, including a PK in the 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids on March 18.
St. Louis (5-1-0) had been on pace to challenge the best start for any club in the post-shootout era, which was set by Sporting Kansas City (7-0-0) in 2012.
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Coming into the week, St. Louis led MLS with 15 goals this season, but had an expected goals of roughly half that. MNUFC helped bring them back to reality.
Samuel Adeniran had a great scoring chance in the 96th minute, but his shot was pulled over the crossbar.
Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved both St. Louis shots, including a close header long-range shot, both from Eduard Lowen in the 10th and 36th minutes.
Minnesota had a few chances with Amarilla in the middle of the two best ones. Kervin Arriaga’s pass led Amarilla into space in front of goal in the 16th minute, but the Paraguayan’s first touch let him down.
On a counter attack in the 38th, Amarilla’s pass was a little too far in front of Bongi Hlongwane and went to Arriaga, but his shot was blocked.
Amarilla also scuffed a shot in the 55th minute after Mender Garcia hit the woodwork.
Loons manager Adrian Heath stuck with the 4-4-2 formation he used when seven players were away for national-team duties last week in the 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps.
Internationals Michael Boxall, Kemar Lawrence, St. Clair, Arriaga and Hlongwane returned to their club and were reinserted into the starting XI.
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Briefly
New signing Sang Bin Jeong was not able to get his passport in time to meet the team in Missouri. The South Korean was in Calgary getting his work visa. His next opportunity for his MLS debut is next Saturday at Chicago. … Midfielder Robin Lod (illness) stayed in Minnesota. … Minnesota United’s Under-17 team beat IMG Academy 2-0 in the first group stage match of the GA Cup Saturday in Bradenton, Florida. Loons U15 were blown out 4-0 by FC Nordsjaelland. Loons’ academy leader Amos Magee said this week that he thought highly of that Danish side’s academy. Both Minnesota academy sides will have two more group-stage games Sunday and Monday. … Former MNUFC2 player Aziel Jackson came on as a sub Saturday. Minnesota traded him to St. Louis in November.
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