ST. PAUL, Minn. — Liberian striker Darius Randell scored in his Minnesota United debut as the Loons defeated Louisville City 1-0 on Wednesday in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup.
The 17-year-old forward netted the lone goal in the 65th minute, slipping past Louisville’s defense to finish a pass from Sang Bin Jeong across the face of goal to the far post.
Randell was one of nine players recently signed to short-term agreements from MNUFC2.
He joined MNUFC2 in August 2024 after developing with Minnesota United’s Academy, where he played for the U17 and U19 teams — now categorized as U16 and U18. Over the past two seasons with the MLS NEXT Pro side, Randell made 34 appearances and scored three goals.
Previously, he spent two seasons with the Academy, beginning as a defender for the U15 squad in 2022 before transitioning to winger and playing up with the U17 and U19 teams from 2023 to 2024.
Born in Monrovia, Liberia, before migrating to the United States, Randell made headlines in July when he started and played 45 minutes for Team West at the MLS NEXT All-Star Showcase at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
He began his youth soccer journey with Boreal Football Club, based in Ramsey, Minnesota.
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