The third week of September might be recalled as when Minnesota United’s promising season slipped through its fingers.

After a heartbreaking home loss to Austin FC in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday, the Loons had a chance against Chicago Fire on Saturday to move into a first-place tie with San Diego FC atop the Western Conference.

Instead, a depleted MNUFC starting lineup gave up two goals on nearly identical free kicks in the first half and lost 3-0 at Allianz Field.

The Loons didn’t start hungover, but a lull sunk in after falling behind late in the first half and into the second half.

Minnesota appeared to have a lifeline into the game with a goal from Momo Dieng in the 68th minute, but the new striker was ruled offside. Less than two minutes later, Chicago’s Philip Zinker

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