Minnesota United FC defeated Real Salt Lake 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday in the opening match of the Audi MLS Cup Playoff 2024 qualifying round. After 90 scoreless minutes and a total of seven minutes of stoppage time, neither team was able to score. The match immediately entered a penalty shootout. The match started with a tug-of-war when the first two players from each team both made successful plays. Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath then created a chance for his team to take the lead after blocking Michael Boxall’s kick, but Justen Glad did not take advantage of this save, he kicked the ball past net.

The two teams were tied until Braian Ojeda missed Real Salt Lake’s final kick. Both Real Salt Lake and Minnesota failed to score in the first half. But every team has many chances. Real Salt Lake controlled most of the first half with 60.4% possession and 287 passes far exceeding Minnesota’s 151. But Minnesota was more effective in controlling the ball, launching three shots compared to Real Salt Lake’s only shot by Diego Luna. In the 6th minute, Cristian Arango won Real Salt Lake’s first free kick of the match after being fouled by Minnesota’s Jefferson Diaz. Arango was on the ground for several minutes and Diaz received a yellow card for this foul. Nelson Palacio took the kick but Minnesota cleared the ball. Real Salt Lake had another chance in the 13th minute. Luna took a shot from the center of the penalty area. But was attacked by Dayne St. Clair blocked.