Duluth FC vs. Minnesota TwinStars
Minnetonka, MN
May 13, 2023 | Matchday 1
Current 2023 Records (W-L-T):
Duluth: 1-0-0
TwinStars: 0-1-0
Lineup: James Price, Myles Edmondson, Jake Starling, Santiago Erazo, Stefan Roeb, Paul Bobai, Andres Solares, Rory Doyle, Cian Gantley, Tyler Limmer, Kostya Domaratskyy
Substitutes: 66’ Manny Morales for Cian Gantley, 67’ Felipe Santos for Rory Doyle, 75’ Tom Akinola for Tyler Limmer, 79’ Felipe Oliveira for Kostya Domaratskyy, 81’ Josh Bellamy for Stefan Roeb, 87’ Zach Tîemeyer for Santiago Erazo
Duluth FC arrived at Minnetonka High School on Saturday, May 13, looking to get the ball rolling on a much anticipated 2023 NPSL North season. They did so in style, winning 3-0 against their long-time opponents in and outside of the NPSL.
The first half saw both teams start slow, with first-game jitters leaving final touches and key passes often just a matter of inches off from the desired effect. While Duluth looked the more dangerous team while it was 0-0, the TwinStars did find some chances, requiring some sturdy goalkeeping from James Price on his debut.
The game finally opened up in the 34th minute as Tyler Limmer snuck into open space in the six yard box and rose high to head the ball. His header did not go toward goal, however, and instead rolled into the feet of Rory Doyle, who slotted home the opener. It was 1-0 at halftime.
Any remaining pressure in the game was released in the 57th minute when Tyler Limmer added to his great debut for the team with a wonderful goal, running on to a long ball with a slight skip to it and volleying a shot into the far corner of the net from the edge of the box. The former Sioux Falls Thunder striker had put together a perfect start to his Duluth FC career by the time he was subbed out of the game.
Kostya Domaratskyy, the only returning BlueGreen to score on the night, then drew and scored a penalty for Duluth to make it 3-0. The Ukranian was unlucky both before and after the goal, as he saw several big chances missed by small margins or saved spectacularly.
The result gave Duluth FC a well-welcomed first cleansheet of the season and three points, beginning Sean Morgan’s third season as head coach on a high note. In addition to Price’s goalkeeping, the cleansheet was also secured by a great game from the starting backline of Myles Edmondson, Santiago Erazo, Stefan Roeb, and Jake Starling, who now has played for Duluth for four seasons.
The weekend’s other matches saw the Dakota Fusion tie Med City 1-1 and Joy Athletic defeat La Crosse Aris 3-1.
