BREAKING NEWS : Loons Fall to San Diego in….

In a dramatic turn of events, Minnesota United FC—known as the Loons—suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at the hands of San Diego FC in stoppage time on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. The expansion side delivered one of their most memorable wins of the season, while the Loons were left reeling from what could become a pivotal moment in their campaign.

Late Heroics Sink the Loons

With the score tied at 1-1 deep into added time, San Diego’s star forward Javier Muñoz delivered a thunderous volley off a corner kick in the 94th minute, sending the home crowd into wild celebration. The goal, his 8th of the season, came after a back-and-forth second half in which both teams had chances to take the lead.

Minnesota looked set to secure at least a point after Teemu Pukki’s equalizer in the 68th minute canceled out San Diego’s opener from forward Kai Ramos. The Loons had shown resilience throughout the match, controlling possession for large stretches and creating several promising opportunities.

Tactical Tensions and Missed Chances

Loons head coach Eric Ramsay, who took charge earlier this year, emphasized composure and control throughout the match—but the team struggled in transition, particularly in the final third. Wingers Sang Bin Jeong and Bongokuhle Hlongwane were lively but often isolated, as San Diego’s compact defense absorbed the pressure.

“We played well for long stretches, but football is cruel sometimes,” Ramsay said post-match. “We didn’t close the game out when we had the chance, and San Diego punished us.”

Minnesota had two clear chances to go ahead before the late goal—one from Emanuel Reynoso, who rattled the post in the 74th minute, and another from Joseph Rosales, whose header was cleared off the line in the 81st.

Implications for the Western Conference

The loss drops Minnesota to 5th in the Western Conference table, while San Diego climbs to 7th, continuing their impressive inaugural season push toward playoff contention.

With the Loons now winless in their last three matches, questions may arise about squad rotation, late-game management, and finishing under pressure. For San Diego, the result confirms they’re more than just a new face—they’re a legitimate postseason threat.

Minnesota returns home next weekend to host Real Salt Lake in a crucial clash that could shape the rest of their summer run.