AUSTIN, TEXAS – Kelvin Yeboah scored in the 90th minute to rally Minnesota United to a 2-2 draw with Austin FC in a season opener on Saturday night, Feb. 21.
Cameron Knowles earned the draw in his first game as coach for Minnesota United. Knowles took over for Eric Ramsay, who left for EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion in the offseason after the Loons lost to San Diego in last year’s Western Conference semifinals.
Yeboah, who scored nine times in 30 appearances last year in his first full season, scored on a header, using an assist from defender Devin Padelford on the equalizer. Padelford subbed in for Anthony Markanich in the 78th minute.
Defender Brendan Hines-Ike staked Austin to a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute with an assist from newcomer Facundo Torres.
It was the fourth career goal for Hines-Ike in 105 appearances. Torres played for Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras last season and arrives via a reported $9.5 million transfer fee. He left Orlando City in 2024 as its all-time scorer with 37 goals and 17 assists over three seasons.
The Loons pulled even by halftime when second-year defender Morris Duggan used his head to score his first career goal — with an assist from Joaquín Pereyra.
Myrto Uzuni scored in the 78th minute to give Austin a 2-1 lead. Uzuni scored six times in 27 appearances last season. Defender Jon Gallagher and Robert Taylor had assists.
Drake Callender finished with four saves in his first start in goal for the Loons. Callender was acquired from Charlotte FC to replace Dayne St. Clair, who signed a free-agent deal with Inter Miami. Callender won two titles with Inter Miami before moving on to Charlotte.
