Heading into its first game of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Minnesota United had little reason to feel optimistic. After all, the club’s history in the tournament as an MLS side was less than stellar. In their first season in the league, the Loons had bowed out quickly, losing 4-0 to Sporting Kansas City on the road. In their second season, they benefited from a favorable draw, getting USL side FC Cincinnati in the Fourth Round, but still needing penalties to advance to the Round of 16. There, they were summarily dispatched by Houston Dynamo, who would go on to win the Open Cup.
How We Got Here: Minnesota's Run to the Cup
