With a low fog rolling in over the pitch, Minnesota United kicked off its stint at the Carolina Challenge Cup with a match against the hosts, the Charleston Battery. Although MNUFC won the possession battle, Charleston’s defense held fast and a last-minute goal at the end of the first half was the difference maker as the Loons fell 1-0 to the home side.
Wearing their old primary kits from last year, the Loons took the pitch and immediately began dominating possession. Minnesota United looked content to cycle the ball around, often working it all the way back to defender Francisco Calvo so he could initiate the attack out of the backfield.