Club América Rallies Late, Beats Minnesota United in Shootout After 3–3 Draw
Danny Jefferson | August 2, 2025
HOUSTON — Club América and Minnesota United delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the Leagues Cup group stage, playing to a 3–3 draw before América edged the Loons 8–7 in a tense penalty shootout. The energy inside Shell Energy Stadium was undeniable, with both teams pushed by passionate fanbases and a high-stakes atmosphere that didn’t let up from kickoff to the final save.
Minnesota came out swinging. The Loons silenced much of the early América crowd by jumping out to a 2–0 lead in the first half. Tani Oluwaseyi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off a clean build-up with a low strike past Luis Malagón. Bongokuhle Hlongwane doubled the advantage in the 31st with a curling finish that left América’s defense flat-footed.
América pulled one back early in the second half through Raúl Zúñiga, but Minnesota answered once again in the 65th minute when Carlos Harvey slotted home a quick counterattack to make it 3–1. That seemed to seal it — until América stormed back. A quick response brought the match to 3–2, and in the 90th minute, Sebastián Cáceres sent the stadium into chaos with a bullet header that tied it at the death.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere inside Shell Energy Stadium was nothing short of electric. Club América’s fans showed up in force, filling the venue with flags, smoke, and nonstop chants. Every touch was met with roars, and when América clawed their way back into the match, the response from the stands was deafening.
Minnesota United supporters were fewer in number but made their presence known. Their section pulsed with energy, singing and urging their team on through every counterattack. The crowd’s intensity mirrored the action on the pitch — both sides feeding off the other, each goal lifting the energy higher.
By the time the penalty shootout began, the tension could be felt everywhere. Fans from both clubs stood locked in place, barely able to breathe. When Malagón made the deciding save, Club América’s side of the stadium erupted, flares lighting up and chants echoing long after the final whistle.
In the shootout, both teams were nearly flawless from the spot. América buried their first eight penalties, and Minnesota kept pace — until Malagón guessed right on the ninth attempt and punched away the match-winner. The 8–7 win secured two crucial points for América, while Minnesota left with one.
América’s midfield adjustments played a big part in the comeback. Álvaro Fidalgo and Richard Sánchez helped tilt the game in the second half, controlling possession and stretching Minnesota’s backline. Substitutes injected needed urgency, keeping América’s foot on the gas in the closing moments.
Minnesota, despite the result, showed real attacking class. Oluwaseyi and Hlongwane were constant threats, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made key saves to protect the lead. But late defensive lapses proved costly — a lesson they’ll have to correct quickly with their final group game looming.
The result leaves Group Stage standings wide open. Club América holds a strong position heading into their next fixture, while Minnesota now finds itself in must-win territory. With both clubs showing quality — and drama — this group could go down to the wire.
