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MLS Cup Playoffs: Minnesota United sweeps Real Salt Lake with second win via penalty kicks

MLS Cup Playoffs: Minnesota United knocks out Real Salt Lake with second win via penalty kicks

United wins 2-1 in penalty kicks after 120 minutes with no score

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota United FC advanced to the Western Conference semifinals of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in a penalty-kick shootout following a 0-0 draw at Allianz Field on Sunday night.

After 120 minutes, the match went to penalty kicks, where Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made two key saves to help his team advance.

In the shootout, St. Clair saved shots from Sergio Cordova and Justen Glad, while Emanuel Reynoso, Franco Fragapane, and Robin Lod all converted their penalties for Minnesota United.

The win sends Minnesota United to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will face FC Dallas next weekend.

Reynoso shines in first MLS playoff game

In his first MLS playoff game, Reynoso was a key figure for Minnesota United.

The Argentine playmaker created several chances for his teammates and was unlucky not to score a goal in regulation.

Reynoso also converted his penalty kick in the shootout, giving Minnesota United a 2-0 lead.

St. Clair comes up big in penalty shootout

St. Clair was the hero for Minnesota United in the penalty shootout.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper made two big saves to help his team advance to the semifinals.

St. Clair's performance was all the more impressive considering that he had never saved a penalty kick in MLS before.

Minnesota United advances to Western Conference semifinals

With the win, Minnesota United advances to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will face FC Dallas next weekend.

It will be the first meeting between the two teams in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Minnesota United will be looking to reach the Western Conference final for the first time in club history.