Minnesota United fans have been waiting for this moment.
Darwin Quintero, the former Club America forward who was signed as the second-year MLS side's first designated player two weeks ago, made his first appearance for the Loons on Saturday night, and he's off to a flying start in Major League Soccer.
With Minnesota trailing 2-0 after first-half strikes from Alvas Powell and Diego Valeri, Quintero made his mark on the match just after the hour mark.
After turning Diego Chara, Quintero glided past Zarek Valentin and slotted home into the far corner to pull his team back to within one.
The match actually turned into a bit of a thriller from that point on.. @darwinJR3 on his debut! #PORvMIN https://t.co/BykQoWpEF8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 15, 2018
Fanendo Adi added a third for Portland just 10 minutes later, and it seemed the home side was going to run away with the game when a fourth was disallowed after video review.
Minnesota then got the benefit of an own goal to pull back to within one.
Quintero had a golden chance to pull his team level in the 88th, but the dream debut was not to be as his headed effort was popped up and never found the target.
Portland took a 3-2 win on the night, but it was a promising start for the Colombian with his new team.
Minnesota and Portland both return to the pitch next Sunday, with the Loons traveling to Seattle to take on the Sounders and the Timbers hosting New York City FC.
