Minnesota Blizzard FC dismantled Sioux Falls Thunder FC 5-0 on the road Saturday in NPSL action, with L. Corr, F. Cuevas, H. Kopany, C. Hermanson, and A. Estrada Cortez all finding the net in a ruthless away performance.
The rout started almost immediately. Corr opened the scoring just two minutes in, and Cuevas doubled the lead in the 10th minute. Sioux Falls had barely settled into the match before finding themselves chasing a two-goal deficit, and the visitors were content to control proceedings through the remainder of a one-sided first half.
Minnesota picked up where they left off after the break. Kopany made it 3-0 in the 50th minute, effectively ending the contest. The match then descended into ill-discipline. E. Glissendorf had already been cautioned for Minnesota in the 49th minute, and things escalated quickly — B. Haggerty received a straight red card for Minnesota in the 53rd minute, the same minute D. Navia was booked for Sioux Falls. Navia's afternoon lasted only four more minutes before he picked up a second yellow in the 57th, leaving both sides down to ten men.
The numerical balance changed nothing for Minnesota. Hermanson struck in the 70th minute, and Estrada Cortez completed the demolition in the 79th. Sioux Falls collected further bookings through N. Sealy and R. Black as frustration mounted, but there was no response on the scoresheet.
The comprehensive defeat leaves Sioux Falls Thunder FC searching for answers early in the season, while Minnesota Blizzard FC will carry serious momentum into their next fixture after a statement win on the road.