Minnesota Soccer Spot
Monday, February 26th
MNUFC Vs Austin FC recap, Columbus this weekend, and a look around MLS
*Disclaimer: My takes are not thoughtful, and they are NOT based in knowledge.*
Minnesota: victorious in the Lone Star State
This past Saturday, Minnesota United faced Austin FC on the road for the 2024 season opener. The Loons' trip to Q2 stadium proved to be worth the moral sacrifice of traveling to Texas: The team not only stole three points but in my opinion, they have a lot of promise to look forward to this season. In the past, I would say something along the lines of: "Minnesota United wins on the road by the skin of their teeth." This was not the case. The Loons not only got the result, but they maintained a dominant performance (minus a couple of scares and a last-minute concession) over the ninety minutes.
Starting lineups were announced an hour or so before kickoff. As I predicted in last week's post, the lineup remained unchanged from their pre-season match against Charlotte FC. In a 4-3-3 matchup, assistant coach Cameron Knowles took a different approach from Heath's 4-2-3-1 formation. And while it would've been interesting to see and the jokes on Twitter were funny, this lineup confirms that Wil Trapp will NOT become the next Maradona.
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Starting lineup courtesy of MNUFC's instagram
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Minnesota came out of the gate flying, placing intense offensive pressure on the backline of Austin FC. The first half could've easily been three or four in favor of the Loons. Fragapane's header off a recycled corner forced goalkeeper Brad Stuver into a great save, Lod hit the post, and Tapias forced a save out of Stuver as well. It wasn't until the 34th minute when Robin Lod broke the deadlock, scoring off the rebound of yet another Stuver save. I couldn't help but get a little emotional seeing him score in his first start since his injury last season: Robin Lod is SO back.
As we fans are used to, the first ten or so minutes into the second half proved to be nervy. Austin came out of the locker room ready to take on the backline of Minnesota United. The Loons held firm in their defensive shape. Other than one nervy cross where Austin SHOULD'VE scored, Austin failed to create many meaningful chances. This was punished in the 90th minute when new signee Alejandro Bran scored his first goal for the Loons. This was the coolest part of this weekend's game: All three players involved in that goal were young. Caden Clark (age 20) took space along the right side, serving a perfect split ball to Tani Oluwaseyi (age 23). Oluwaseyi made the unselfish and right pass, finding Alejandro Bran (age 22) who finished beautifully. When that goal was called offside, the rage I felt was deep. It was a beautiful team goal. Luckily, VAR was on the Loons' side, and they found themselves up 2-0 right before the end of the match.  |
| Me documenting my stress |
Unfortunately, Dayne was unable to maintain his clean sheet. Austin found the back of the net in the 95th minute. While it is only consolation, I can imagine St. Clair and his defenders will not be happy to concede in such a moment. While it was frustrating to see, I am happy with the three points. "Shit happens" as the kids say. I am also happy Diego Rubio did not find the back of the net. The beef I have with that man is alive and personal.
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Just a reminder that this man was fined TWICE in one
week two years ago for acting like a bitch. |
Standout Players:
The obvious choice for the most standout player from the match is Robin Lod. With the go-ahead goal returning from injury, Robin Lod is bound to steal the MNUFC spotlight. My fear with players coming back from injury is that it will take them a decent chunk of time to get back into the groove of things. After seeing Robin Lod last night, it was like he never left. He provided a spark the midfield had been missing. Not only that, but his position with the 4-3-3 worked well with the attack. There have been arguments about Robin Lod playing at the 8 position. I still would like to see Robin Lod playing in that inverted winger position, a position I feel the Loons have been lacking since his injury. But if it ain't broke, no need to fix it (for now).
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| TEAM OF THE WEEK BABY! |
One player I thought hadn't been discussed in enough positive light is Joseph Rosales. I'm no soccer expert. I won't pretend to be. I am not here to get into the specifics of Rosales' style of play. As an average fan, I almost didn't notice Rosales. In matches, sometimes the players you don't notice are the ones doing their job the best. It means I have no reason to complain about them. He kept Ethan Finlay and most attacking threats down that side in check. I didn't find myself saying his name much, which in my experience, is a positive thing. I like seeing him in the left-back position, and I hope we'll continue to see him there. In my opinion, he deserves to start there until further notice.
One of the younger substitutes, Loïc Ekoue Mesanvi, caught my eye during his limited time on the pitch. What I noticed wasn't as much how he interacts with the team, but his individual skill. He is faster than my car, and he's got the sauce. Watching him play for the first time reminded me of watching Bongi play for the first time. I kept saying "Who is that?" And while he didn't make an impact in the form of an assist or goal, his potential excites me.
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| Sir, what are those socks? |
Columbus Next:
The Loons will be taking on the defending champs, the Columbus Crew, this Saturday at home. It will be the Loons' first match at home this season. The Crew will look to start a winning streak, while Minnesota will look to right the wrongs of last season's home record.
This is how I predict both teams will line up:
Based on both teams' results last week, I don't expect many changes to the starting eleven. Columbus Crew provided a dominant performance against Atlanta United. The only question I would have is whether or not Matan gets the start over Russell-Rowe. I would also assume though he won't start (hey you never know), Christian Ramirez will get some minutes against his former club. As far as Minnesota United is concerned, I predict their starting lineup will be the same. It is unclear whether or not Bongi will be 100% ready to go. I expect him to make an appearance off the bench assuming he won't be in the starting eleven.
Even though the match is at home, I think it'll be more difficult than Austin. Columbus is a much better team. The Loons' main defensive goal will be to stop the likes of Rossi and Cucho from finding the back of the net. Cucho has proved himself to be lethal in the final third. There must be a body on him at all times. (Literally. You cannot give that man an inch). Offensively, it'll be harder to break down Columbus' defensive line. From what I've seen of Columbus, it seems that they LOVE to press and push the back line up. Minnesota will look to take advantage of this.
A Look Around MLS:
You know damn well I spent what free time I had watching other MLS matches from around the league. Here are some little blurbs that nobody asked for.
Miami VS RSL:
This was the very first match of this season. I missed the first half because the wifi at my front desk job didn't want to function with me, so enjoy these lovely text updates from my father:
I was, however, able to watch the second half. Based on what I had been told throughout the first half, it was an entirely different second half. While Miami ended up winning 2-0 over Real Salt Lake, Salt Lake seemed to be on the front foot. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to find the back of the net. Young USYNT star Diego Luna failed to truly grow into the game, and Chicho Arrango spent the whole second half bitching at his teammates. Pretty much sums up the evening for RSL.
Columbus VS Atlanta:
As mentioned earlier, Columbus beat Atlanta United in their season opener. This match was wild. While Columbus provided a dominant performance, Atlanta kept themselves in the match until the very end. In the last ten or so minutes, I'm sure Columbus fans felt nervous as Almada FINALLY began growing into the match. That along with Guzan's penalty save kept Atlanta relevant in the chase for at least a point on the road. Unfortunately for them, the attacking spark came too late, and Columbus held their lead until the final whistle.
LAFC VS Seattle:
This was the second match I watched on that first Saturday. This match is always one to look forward to: a rematch of the Western Conference Semis from 2023. This game provided end-to-end action for the full ninety minutes plus stoppage time. LAFC won this match 2-1, but let's not get ahead of ourselves: Seattle is definitely a force to be reckoned with. The Sounders gave them a game despite missing Joao Paulo, arguably their most important player. Also, de la Vega? Sounders fans should be excited about him. He's legit. Also also, that penalty VAR check took way longer than it needed to. Just saying.
Miami VS Galaxy:
This was Sunday's anticipated match. It's gotta be wild for non-soccer fans to hear soccer fans talk about what a "great game" a 1-1 tie was. Well, it was a great game. (Don't kill the vibe American football fans). This game was proof that Messi and Miami always find a way. Galaxy spent the majority of the match completely dominating. Despite that, Messi found the equalizer following the stupidest double-yellow sendoff I've ever seen. Miami will be happy with a point, while Galaxy will be kicking themselves a bit. Especially Riqui Puig, having had his penalty saved in the first half. (That man needed to be humbled).
I cannot end this section without giving a shoutout to Christian Benteke, who scored a hat trick in DC United's season opener. Benteke, who had started last season off on a bright note, seemed to fall a bit under the radar toward the end of last season. It is great to see him getting back into his groove.
I would also like to give a shoutout to this Brian Gutierrez goal. What a banger.
Also, this Carles Gil goal, of course.
Here are the MLS standings at the end of the week.
See you next post!
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