MNUFC: Loons shut out Austin FC, 3-0

AUSTIN Texas Anthony Markanich and Joaqu n Pereyra each scored a goal and Minnesota United FC took advantage of an own goal to earn three points with a - triumph over Austin FC on Saturday Austin midfielder Ilie S nchez was credited with an own goal from left of the box at minutes for a - Minnesota - - lead His mild deflection of a shot attempt by Pereyra created back spin on a ball that slowly rolled through the hands and legs of keeper Brad Stuver Markanich scored minutes later on a header from the center of the box for a two-goal lead Pereyra ended the scoring in the first minute of extra time in the second half with a left-footed shot from the middle position outside the box Julian Gressel made his Loons debut as a substitute just days after being acquired after a waiver claim He made his entrance as a wingback allowing Bongokuhle Hlongwane to move up the field Gressel helped seal the clean sheet with a decisive block from inside the goal sending Brandon V zquez s shot out of the danger zone Austin has now been shut out five times in games this season and Loons goalkeeper Dayne St Clair earned his sixth clean sheet of the season tied for first in MLS The Loons bounced back from a - loss to Vancouver last week a setback that snapped an eight-game unbeaten streak They will progress to face Louisville City FC in the Round of of the Lamar Hunt U S Open Cup on Wednesday If Minnesota wins the Loons will host their Round of contest at Allianz Field