After Minnesota’s first-team match against the Colorado Rapids, MNUFC Unified took to the pitch for an intrasquad match between teams Starry Night and Convergence. The match was played in two 20-minute halves, to the same booming announcements and Supporters’ chants that mark any game at Allianz Field.
Convergence keeper Jacob Rowan and Starry Night keeper Rio Quintus both logged crucial saves right off the bat. Arianna Haines kicked off the scoring in the ninth minute with a smooth shot from the right, putting Starry Night in the lead. Much of the first half was dominated by excellent combination work between Starry Night’s Abby Plahn and Andres Pope, and fast-paced on-the-ball movement from Convergence’s Brynn Stucchi.
Haines made another run in the 14th minute, but her shot was saved in a great move by Quintus. Rylie Sommer subbed on for Ellie Lommel in the 18th minute, just before Rowan made another diving save. Convergence’s Clarke Ruhland shot was deflected moments later, but earned his team a corner.
Pope struck in the 19th minute with an absolute banger into the top of the net, putting Starry Night up 2-0 before the half.
The second half started off with another pair of saves by Rowan and Quintus in turn, after which Convergence’s Ryan Hartman demonstrated top-notch footwork and a sweeping 26th-minute shot that went over Rowan’s net. Hartman gained control of the ball again and sent it over to Drew Hennen, whose shot was saved by a relentless Rowan.
Holly Sinnen came through for the Convergence defense again and again, making clearances that kept the goal deficit steady. Macava Smith aimed to add another goal to the board for Starry Night, but went just wide in the 36th. Pope logged a pair of shots late in the second half, keeping the attack energized even with just minutes left in the match. Hartman’s 40th-minute shot nearly got Convergence on the board, but Rowan was there with steady hands yet again to keep his sheet clean.
The whistle blew on a 2-0 victory for Starry Night, but both sides approached the match with high energy, great sportsmanship, and the kind of resilience and positivity that defines the club. Any time this team takes the field, it’s a win for Minnesota.
