Loons Snatch Late Draw in Season Opener at Austin FC

Minnesota United scores 90th minute equalizer to earn road point against Austin FC

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Minnesota United battled back with a 90th minute equalizer from Kelvin Yeboah to draw 2-2 with Austin FC in their season opener at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Loons were staring at a loss before Yeboah's header off a lofted cross from Devin Padelford salvaged a road point.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season match between two Western Conference foes, with Minnesota United looking to build on last year's playoff appearance and Austin FC hoping to take another step forward in their third MLS season. The late equalizer gives Minnesota a valuable road point to start the campaign.

The details

Austin FC took a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute when Jon Gallagher scored at the back post off a cross from Robert Taylor. But Minnesota United responded in the 90th minute, with Yeboah heading in the tying goal off a lofted cross from Padelford. The teams had exchanged first-half goals off corner kicks, with Brendan Hines-Ike scoring for Austin and Morris Duggan equalizing for the Loons.

  • The match was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Brendan Hines-Ike scored for Austin FC in the 7th minute.
  • Morris Duggan equalized for Minnesota United in the 40th minute.
  • Jon Gallagher put Austin FC up 2-1 in the 78th minute.
  • Kelvin Yeboah scored the equalizer for Minnesota United in the 90th minute.

The players

Kelvin Yeboah

Forward for Minnesota United who scored the 90th minute equalizer.

Devin Padelford

Midfielder for Minnesota United who provided the assist on Yeboah's goal.

Jon Gallagher

Right back for Austin FC who scored the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute.

Robert Taylor

Midfielder for Austin FC who provided the assist on Gallagher's goal.

Morris Duggan

Midfielder for Minnesota United who scored the first-half equalizer, his first MLS goal.

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What they’re saying

“We showed a lot of fight to come back and get a point on the road. It was a tough battle, but we're happy to start the season with a result.”

— Kelvin Yeboah, Forward, Minnesota United

What’s next

Minnesota United will host the Seattle Sounders in their home opener on Saturday, February 29th. Austin FC will look to bounce back when they visit the Portland Timbers on March 4th.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth match showcased the parity in MLS, with two playoff contenders from last season battling to a draw in the season opener. The late heroics from Yeboah and Padelford will give Minnesota United confidence as they aim to build on last year's success, while Austin FC will look to regroup after letting a late lead slip away.