By Franco Domínguez
Nahuel Guzmán starred as Tigres defeated Minnesota United 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw Friday at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Leagues Cup 2026.
The veteran goalkeeper was the difference, helping preserve Tigres' clean sheet throughout regulation. In the first half, he made a save in the 19th minute to stop a headed attempt by Mamadou Dieng.
Despite lacking clarity in attack, the home team managed to earn a penalty kick near the end of the first half. Joaquin Pereyra struck the crossbar, keeping the match scoreless.
The second half opened with greater urgency from both sides.
Tigres tested Minnesota’s Alec Smir with a few long-distance shots but could not find a breakthrough.
Minnesota pushed hard through the final minutes of play, with Kelvin Yeboah's right-footed effort striking the left post and, moments later, Mauricio González heading another chance wide.
Minnesota United missed opportunities in the box, which cost them a place in the next stage of the tournament, as the 0-0 draw with Tigres wasn't enough to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Despite controlling more possession, Tigres relied on Guzmán to preserve the draw, while Minnesota created the better scoring chances. After losing its opener, the Loons needed a regulation victory to keep their hopes of advancing alive but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.
REACTIONS
- Tigres Head Coach Hernán Elizondo
- "There are a lot of positive things. The team is growing in confidence, and even though the win we've been looking for hasn't come yet, tactically, according to what we want with the team next Tuesday, we will be able to get it.
- "This is a tough group of players mentally. We missed a few opportunities with the numbers game in our favor today, but sooner rather than later we will keep zero once again and score the goals."
- Minnesota Head Coach Cameron Knowles
- "Even in the way that our chances were created we had some really good moments in the game, unfortunate not to come away with the win."
- (On the missed penalty by Joaquín) "I felt for him, it probably feels very lonely. That's something we all carry as a team and we help each other through those moments."
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Tigres
- Nahuel Guzmán made three saves during regular time and made two saves during the penalty shootout.
GAME NOTES
- The match marked the first official meeting between the clubs.
- Tigres UANL has won both of its Leagues Cup 2026 matches in penalty shootouts.
- Tigres secured its first clean sheet since kicking off its Apertura 2026 campaign.
- Minnesota United now has 9 straight games without a win in all competitions.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Tigres: Jesús Garza (43’)
- Minnesota: Joaquín Pereyra (13’), Owen Gene (80’), Mauricio González (81’)
LOOKING AHEAD
- Tigres: Aug. 11 vs. Vancouver
- Minnesota: Aug. 11 vs. Atlante
