In what might be his penultimate performance in a Minnesota United kit, Colombian superstar James Rodriguez delivered a masterclass in playmaking, providing two second-half assists to help the Loons claw back for a 2-2 draw against Austin FC on Sunday at Allianz Field.
Rodriguez, who will depart next week to prepare for the FIFA World Cup and won't return for the second half of the MLS season, entered the match in the 63rd minute with Minnesota trailing 1-0. Just six minutes later, he floated a pinpoint cross that Anthony Markanich headed home to level the score. Then, in the 77th minute, Rodriguez turned provider again, setting up Joaquin Pereyra for a go-ahead goal that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
But the drama wasn't over. Former Loons forward Christian Ramirez, who has made a habit of haunting his old club, equalized in the 80th minute — his second goal against Minnesota in St. Paul since March 2025. The 2-2 result left MNUFC (6-3-2, 21 points) with a bitter taste, while Austin (3-4-5, 14 points) remained winless in six road matches this season.
The first half was a frustrating affair for the Loons, who fell behind in the 14th minute when Myrto Uzuni converted a penalty kick after Nectar Triantis was whistled for a handball. Minnesota had two golden chances to equalize from the spot shortly after, but striker Kelvin Yeboah saw his first attempt waved off after a VAR check for encroachment, and his second attempt smashed off the crossbar.
Tensions boiled over as three Minnesota players — Pereyra, Tomás Chancalay, Triantis, and Jefferson Diaz — received yellow cards for dissent before halftime. Apple TV reported that coach Cameron Knowles preached discipline during the break, but what the Loons truly needed was the creative spark of James Rodriguez.
Rodriguez's final game with Minnesota will be Wednesday against Colorado. After the World Cup, the 34-year-old former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star is reportedly set to retire. If Sunday's performance was any indication, he's leaving with plenty of magic still in his boots.