Minnesota used goals from Christian Ramirez, Kevin Molino, and Johan Venegas to finally secure their first historic win in the MLS, beating Real Salt Lake 4-2 at the TFC Bank Stadium. Luke Mulholland put the visitors ahead in the 6th minute when he took advantage of the Loons defender Francisco Calvo's blunder to send home the early lead. Twelve minutes later, Minnesota United leveled the scoreline thanks to a Kevin Molino powerful header. Just seven minutes into the second half, Christian Ramirez doubled the lead for the hosts when he brilliantly set-up the give and pass with Kevin Molino.
Later in 62nd minutes, Christian Ramirez extended the scoreline for the Loons capitalizing on a rare mistake from Real Salt goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Six minutes later, Johan Venegas then capped the rout with a tap-in thanks to another Real Salt defensive error, Before Yura Movsisyan then scored the consolidation goal for RSL in the 87th minute making the scoreline 4-2 in full time.
Ramirez came to Loons rescue
Loons star forward Christian Ramirez became the first Minnesota United player to ever score a hat trick in the Major League Soccer on Saturday. Ramirez clearly showed his potency in his first goal, as he confidently held the ball before finishing the swift give and go pass from Kevin Molino to put Minnesota ahead in the 52nd minute.
Later, Christian Ramirez then gave United the comfortable lead with his second goal of the encounter, and fourth goal of the season. Certainly, he was outstanding on Saturday night.
Minnesota always dominate RSL
It doesn't really matter the caliber of players or its managerial tactics, but Minnesota United has so far dominated the all-time series over Real Salt Lake.
The first time the both clubs lock horns was in 2005 when Minnesota United defeated Real Salt Lake 6-4 in a US Open Cup match that was held at the James Griffin Stadium. In 2012, United once more beat RSL 3-1 in the Open Cup that was played at the Rio Tonto Stadium in Utah. In February 2017, the both teams drew level in a preseason game which was staged at Portland. Obviously, the loons have RSL's number.
