Ibson helps churn out Loons’ comeback in 2-2 draw

Published 9:09 am Monday, March 20, 2017

By Andy Greder

St. Paul Pioneer Press

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — During halftime Saturday, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath had a few-second chat with Ibson on the field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium.

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Ibson, a Brazilian legend referred to by one name, was a substitute brought on to help churn Minnesota’s midfield after the Loons trailed the Colorado Rapids 1-0 through 45 minutes.

“I thought we needed somebody to actually get his foot on the ball and start to try to make people play,” United coach Adrian Heath said. “I thought he did that.”

Ibson’s attacking pass to Collen Warner in the 49th minute set up a combination play between Warner and Kevin Molino outside the 18-yard box. Then, Warner ran into the box and was chipped by Mekeil Williams as Molino’s pass entered, forcing a Minnesota penalty kick.

Molino fired the penalty kick past Rapids goalie Tim Howard en route to the Loons’ 2-2 draw with the Rapids.