NSC turned in a workmen-like effort Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, dismantling Minnesota United 5-0. The first half-hour was pretty evenly matched with both teams getting a few good looks at goal, but then in the 34th minute, D.J. Taylor of Minnesota took out Jacob Shaffelburg from behind resulting in a red card and a free kick just outside the box. Minnesota, now down a man, could not keep up with the waves of attack from NSC as 5 goals were scored in just 20 minutes of game time. 5 different goal scorers plus a clean sheet put the cherry on top of a truly relentless effort from the entire squad securing the largest margin of victory in NSC’s history and a date with Monterrey in the semifinals. NSC came into the Leagues Cup reeling a bit in MLS play notching only 6 points in their last 7 matches. The surprising turnaround is a welcome sight and no doubt building a sense of confidence around the club. Hopefully, the brilliance displayed in their last fixture will carry over into the rest of the MLS season and into the Playoffs.