James Rodriguez’s two assists help Loons to 2-2 draw with Austin

Better late than never for James Rodriguez.

The Colombian superstar will leave Minnesota United at the end of next week to prepare for the FIFA World Cup and won’t return to Minnesota for the second half of the season, but the central attacking midfielder left a mark in his penultimate game for the Loons.

James provided two assists in Minnesota’s 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday at Allianz Field.

Down 1-0, James subbed into the game in the 63rd minute and provided his first MLS goal contribution in the 69th. His floated cross was headed into the net by Anthony Markanich to tie the game. Then Rodriguez assisted on Joaquin Pereyra’s go-ahead goal in the 77th minute.

But former Minnesota forward Christian Ramirez equalized in the 80th minute to make it 2-2. He stuck it to his former team for a second time; he also scored for L.A. Galaxy in St. Paul in March 2025.

MNUFC (6-3-2, 21 points) had to settle for a draw, while Austin (3-4-5, 14 points) remained winless in six road games.

Rodriguez’s last game with Minnesota is Wednesday against Colorado. Then after the World Cup, the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid player will reportedly retire at age of 34.

The Loons trailed 1-0 at the half after Myrto Uzuni converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute. Nectar Triantis was whistled for a handball in the box to set up the PK.

MNUFC had two chances to equalize from the spot less than 10 minutes later. But Loons striker Kelvin Yeboah failed to convert on both.

The first attempt — earned when former Loon Joseph Rosales bear hugged Anthony Markanich in the box — was waved off after a VAR check. Yeboah’s stutter-step didn’t freeze Brad Stuver, but it did take the Austin goalkeeper off his line. The Loons scored on the rebound, but Anthony Markanich was ruled to have encroached in the box.

With a mulligan, Yeboah’s second attempt was pounded off the crossbar as Austin kept the 1-0 lead.

The Loons players and fans grew more and more frustrated with referee Chris Penso as the first half played out. Three Minnesota players — Joaquín Pereyra, Tomás Chancalay, Nectar Triantis and Jefferson Diaz — were issued yellow cards for dissent.

Apple TV said coach Cameron Knowles stressed discipline to his players at halftime. What they really needed was James to play.