Minnesota United’s struggles at Allianz Field continued Wednesday night with a 1-0 loss to Colorado, just days after a 2-2 draw against Austin. The Loons collected only one point from two home matches this week, continuing a troubling trend of underperforming in St. Paul.
United is now 2-2-2 at home this season and, for the third straight year, has earned fewer points at home than on the road. Minnesota has been one of MLS’s stronger away teams with 13 road points, compared to just eight at Allianz Field.
Colorado entered the match having scored only once in its previous four MLS games, but Rafael Navarro’s first-half goal proved enough for the Rapids to secure the win. Navarro found space behind Minnesota’s defense in the 26th minute and beat goalkeeper Drake Callender for the game’s only goal.
The Loons created chances but couldn’t capitalize. Kelvin Yeboah missed an early breakaway opportunity, while James Rodriguez and Anthony Markanich both struck the woodwork before halftime.
After the match, midfielder Wil Trapp suggested the team may be losing focus against opponents lower in the standings.
Head coach Cameron Knowles said the team is frustrated it hasn’t been able to bring its strong road form back home for supporters at Allianz Field.
Wednesday also marked James Rodriguez’s final appearance for Minnesota before joining Colombia’s national team ahead of the World Cup. Rodriguez finished his MLS stint with two assists in six appearances. Defender Michael Boxall returned to the starting lineup for the first time since February before departing to join New Zealand’s national team.
