Minnesota Blizzard FC edged Joy AC 1–0 in NPSL action on May 19, with an own goal from Joy AC's H. Kopany in the 38th minute proving the difference.
The first half was scoreless until Kopany's unfortunate intervention eight minutes before the break. The Joy AC defender turned the ball into his own net, handing Minnesota Blizzard FC a lead they would not relinquish.
Joy AC's task grew significantly harder in the second half. E. Snyder, already cautioned in the 46th minute, was shown a red card in the 76th minute, leaving Joy AC to play the final quarter-hour with ten men. Down a goal and a player, Joy AC struggled to mount any meaningful response.
The closing stages turned ugly. L. Corr was booked in the 81st minute for Joy AC, and the 90th minute saw three more yellow cards handed out — E. Le Moine and P. Zich for Joy AC, along with K. Sliva for Minnesota Blizzard FC — as frustrations boiled over in the dying seconds. Joy AC finished the match with four bookings and a sending-off, a reflection of a side that lost its composure as the game slipped away.
Minnesota Blizzard FC, by contrast, kept things simple. They took their fortunate first-half lead and managed the game effectively, particularly after Snyder's dismissal tilted the contest further in their favor.
The three points give Minnesota Blizzard FC a valuable early-season home win as they look to establish themselves in the NPSL standings.