May 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The NASL game ball before the game between the New York Cosmos and the Carolina Railhawks at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Three-time NASL Best XI honoree Lance Laing scored his first of the season with a gorgeous chip in the 59th minute, capping off a night of chaos in Miami’s end.

A pair of scoring chances in the 82nd and 83rd minutes by Miami’s Enzo was enough of a close call to keep everyone on their feet, but Minnesota United managed to hang on for a consecutive vital point on the road. In a night of missed calls both good and bad, it was Lance Laing who stepped up for the Loons, knotting up the score after a goal from former MLSer Kwadwo Poku put the club behind relatively early in the second half. Poku’s marker ended an impressive 275-minute shutout streak for the Minnesota defense.

United started the match focused and disciplined, controlling the play early and generating chances. However, a last ditch fingertip save by ‘tender Sammy Ndjock gave Minnesota enough of a scare – and Miami enough of a confidence boost – that the tide began to turn in the home side’s favor. The first half ended with United leading 6-3 in shots, but it was clear Miami was dominating ball possession by as much as 59%.

Not much changed after the half, and Poku made sure to emphasize that with the game’s first goal in the 52nd minute. Laing, who received a yellow card in the opening half and had remained a thorn in Miami’s side all match, managed to get a boot on an opposing pass and chipped it right over the top the goalie for a little birthday present to himself. His work done, he’d later be subbed off for youngster Ismalia Jome in the 70th minute. It was pretty even football from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANCE LAING! This is how it's done. All even with @TheMiamiFC 1-1. #MIAvMNU pic.twitter.com/oeG1DLTxa0 — Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) August 28, 2016

Losses by both Carolina and OKC made the night’s outcome all the more important for either team, who could have further distanced themselves from the other with all three points, or pad their leads on Carolina and OKC by a draw. With the draw, both clubs gain a point in the Fall standings, advancing to 16, and three ahead of sixth-ranked Rayo. Miami does hold a game in hand on Minnesota, while United still holds a nine-point lead in the overall NASL table.

Up next for the MLS-bound Loons is a mid-week showdown with the Strikers in Ft. Lauderdale Wednesday evening. That game will be played on CBS Sports Network starting at 6:30 PM CT.