Minnesota sets futility record in 6-1 thumping from high-flying Atlanta
It's safe to say that Minnesota United's first home match did not go as planned, as the Loons succumbed 6-1 to fellow expansion outfit Atlanta United on a snowy day at TCF Bank Stadium.
The heavy defeat came just one week after Minnesota's 5-1 debut loss to the Portland Timbers, and the two matches combined to set a new (and unwanted) MLS record:
Minnesota United is the first team to allow five goals in consecutive @MLS games. #MINvATL
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) March 12, 2017
Atlanta, meanwhile, celebrated a record of its own:
.@ATLUTD is the first @MLS team to score six goals in a game during its expansion year.
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) March 12, 2017
Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron combined wonderfully in the first half to all but put the game away, and then did the same in the second with Almiron smashing home a volley and Martinez completing his hat trick, before Jacob Peterson rounded off the evening with a sixth.
Snow and clearance delays hampered Minnesota's home debut in MLS, and while Kevin Molino did have a penalty goal to celebrate, the Loons were dealt another blow late in the match when goalkeeper John Alvbage picked up an injury and had to be carted off.
Related - Watch: Leaf blower saves the day by clearing snow from Minnesota's field
Meanwhile, Atlanta secured its very first win in MLS - in resounding fashion - with Almiron, Peterson, and Martinez all scoring their first goals for the club.