After playing in five Leagues Cup matches last year, Minnesota United was bounced out of this year’s North American club tournament after only two group-stage matches.

With Necaxa’s 3-1 win over Seattle on Sunday, the Loons were eliminated from West Group 6; MNUFC beat Necaxa 1-0 on Tuesday, but had lost 2-1 to Sounders on July 26.

MNUFC would have advanced in any other scenario besides a Necaxa win by 1-3 goals. But with all three teams on three points, goal differential undid Minnesota’s chances to move on to the Round of 32.

Also, Seattle’s Lumen Field, where the Loons have lost all 10 MLS matches since 2017, continues to put a spell on United.

Instead, the Loons will get three weeks to train — a first uninterrupted period of work under first-year head coach Eric Ramsay, who joined the team midseason in March.

United will resume MLS play against Seattle at Allianz Field on Aug. 24 and will be able to put all of its resources into making the MLS Cup Playoffs this fall.

MNUFC is expected to have at least two new players available when league play resumes — striker Kelvin Yeboah and center back Jefferson Diaz. The Loons are also progressing toward signing right back Matus Kmet in the summer transfer window.

United looked likely to move on in Leagues Cup after 15 minutes Sunday night. Necaxa was down 2-0 through 15 minutes, but the second Sounders goal was disallowed after a VAR review and Necaxa scored two goals int he 24th and 44th minutes to take a 2-1 lead at the half.

Necaxa’s Kevin Rosero added a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Originally Published: August 4, 2024 at 11:38 p.m.

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