Soccer Recap 3: Insanity in Orlando, MLS' Stoppage Time Madness, USWNT Victorious, and Nations League
Minnesota Soccer Spot
Monday, March 11th
Insanity in Orlando, MLS' Stoppage Time Madness, USWNT Victorious, and Nations League Next Week
*Disclaimer: My takes are not thoughtful, and they are NOT based in knowledge.*
MNUFC VS Orlando City
This past weekend, Minnesota United flew down to Orlando, Florida and stole three points from the Eastern Conference powerhouse. Orlando City, who has been struggling to gain form so far in the 2024 season, had a frustrating night: Many missed chances came back to haunt them, and the Loons took advantage. This game had everything: giveaways, great goals, violence... it was the whole package and a night to remember (the stress was alive and well).
Going into this match, I assumed Bongi Hlongwane would get the start since he wasn't coming off of an injury, and Robin Lod would be sidelined for precautionary reasons. Turns out it was the other way around: Robin Lod regained his starting position, forcing Alejandro Bran to the bench. Caden Clark maintained his starting role from the previous week. Other than those two, the lineup aligned with my prediction.
Just before the match, it was announced that Facundo Torres wouldn't be in the eighteen. Enrique took the place of Torres, and Martins slid into the spot I predicted Cartagena would take. Other than those two changes, my predicted lineup held up (I actually did decently this week).
From MNUFC's Instagram. You know the drill by now.
I'm lazy, and I do not have the design skills of admin.
From Orlando City's Instagram. Again, PLEASE put it in
lineup form.
The Loons didn't start too hot: In the thirteenth second of the match, a poor giveaway from Dotson led to Duncan McGuire's and Orlando City's first goal of 2024. Before Saturday, the Lions had failed to find the back of the net in either of their two previous matches. City was soaring for about three minutes until a total blunder from Pedro Gallese led to Pukki's first goal of the 2024 season. The Loons were able to close out the first half with a 2-1 lead over the Lions, with Pukki finding the back of the net for a second time.
The second half saw the Loons on their heels: Orlando had multiple chances to find the back of the net. It wasn't until the eighty-third minute when Duncan McGuire finally found the equalizer and his second goal. Weird bounces in the midfield lead to McGuire finding it, Tapias fails to step, and a great finish levels the match. At this point, Loons fans sitting at home were praying for the tie, but Orlando City's missed opportunities would come back to haunt them: On his 2024 season debut, Bongi Hlongwane found the back of the net with a mere three minutes left in the match. Was the result deserved? Maybe not. But don't listen to the haters: a win is a win.
Klassy
Immediately following the match, fans witnessed a scuffle between both teams resulting in red cards shown to Joseph Rosales and another Orlando City player. This will be reviewed, but assuming these calls stand, Joseph Rosales will be suspended for the Loons' match against LAFC this coming weekend. This will be a massive loss for the Loons: Joseph Rosales' numbers have been impressive so far this year: He is first on the team in interceptions, tackles, shots blocked, and touches. With the injury to DJ Taylor as well, it will be hard to know who slides into the right and left fullback position.
Standout Players:
Teemu Pukki is my first obvious choice for this week's standout players. Bagging his first two goals of the season, Pukki is starting to find his form. He got off to a bit of a rocky start: No goals in his first two starts for MNUFC this year. But after Saturday's match, it's safe to say the Finn is back. It will also be interesting to see his partnership with Robin Lod grow throughout the season. Lod assisting Pukki's second goal is a good preview for what may be to come.
Also shoutout to Pukki for making team of the week. Or team of the match day? I guess that's the more politically correct term.
From MNUFC's Instagram
Another standout player from this past weekend's match would be Joseph Rosales. Once again, Rosales has made a strong case to continue starting. As discussed above, Rosales is leading the team in a variety of stats. As of now, his red card following the Orlando match stands. He will be a massive loss for the Loons facing Western Conference powerhouse LAFC this coming weekend. Despite that, he has claimed that starting position otherwise. (Also MNUFC, GIVE MY MAN A RAISE).
Of course, I have to mention Bongi Hlongwane coming off the bench and scoring the game-winner. I cannot ignore that. Bongi Hlongwane, who joined the team at the beginning of the 2022 season, has become a mainstay in the MNUFC attack. His and Tani Oluwaseyi's introduction to the game brought a spark that was lacking throughout the second half. Also, Bongi once again owns Orlando City. I don't make the rules.
Typical soccer conversations with my friends. Also, does it track their heart rate? I've heard
both that and that it tracks their performance.
The Loons will be facing LAFC at home this weekend. LAFC, who currently sit in eighth place in the West, haven't come out of the gate as strong as they would've liked or been expected to. After an important win at home against the Seattle Sounders to start the year, their results haven't been living up to the precedent they've set: A 3-0 loss at RSL and a tie against Sporting Kansas City at home leave LAFC yearning for more. They'll be looking for their first road win of the season, while the Loons will be looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive and find their first home win of 2024.
Here's how I predict each team will line up:
As far as Minnesota United is concerned, there will be some key absences this coming weekend: Joseph Rosales' red card and DJ Taylor's injury during the Orlando match will leave vacancies in the fullback position. It is safe to assume that Valentin will take the position of Taylor, as he has been subbed into the last two away matches. The fullback position is a position that, in my opinion, doesn't have as much depth. I would predict Padelford will have to start in Rosales' place. As far as the midfield is concerned, it is expected that Emanuel Reynoso will make his season debut. I assume he will come off the bench in the second half, so for the starting eleven, I predict it will remain unchanged. The only change I would change in the attack from last match would be Bongi Hlongwane for Caden Clark, which would force Sang Bin to the left side.
LAFC has had the same starting lineup for the first three matches of the season. I would argue that their current starting lineup is a full-force starting lineup. I predict they will line up the same way despite the last two results not going the way they would've hoped.
It's no secret that the front three of Bogusz, Bouanga, and Olivera are dangerous, especially Bouanga. Based on what I've seen with LAFC, it seems Olivera is still adjusting to his relatively new club, having only been at LAFC since August of last summer. But he definitely has the potential to be threatening on that right side, especially given the vacancy of Rosales (with all due respect to whoever takes his place for this weekend). The Loons will look to keep Bouanga and the rest of the attack at bay, and LAFC will look to take advantage of the Loons' injuries and Emanuel Reynoso not in the starting eleven. Speaking for all Minnesota United fans, based on Steve Cherundolo's comments following their match against RSL, I hope it snows. I hope they feel the wrath of that Minnesota United winter. (It doesn't seem like it's going to snow, but one can dream).
Cry.
MLS: Is It Rigged For The Plot?
After this weekend, my point about MLS being the reality TV of soccer leagues holds true: This weekend had so much stoppage time drama that even casual fans would've had their popcorn ready. Unfortunately, I do have a life once in a while, so I wasn't able to watch as many games as I had hoped. Here's a look at what I did catch:
NYCFC VS Portland Timbers:
I was able to watch this game at my front desk job (work smarter, not harder, as they say). What a game this turned out to be: NYCFC started on the front foot, scoring in the tenth minute. NYCFC dominated the whole first half, and throughout the half, I couldn't help but think "Portland is about to get cooked." It could've easily been 3-0 by the end of the half.
But boy, was I wrong. Portland came out of the gate flying to start the second half. Their dominant second-half performance finally paid off in the eighty-fifth minute when Antony (he does have a full name, but is apparently just known as "Antony) found the back of the net. Based on how the first half had gone, Portland fans would've been content with a tie. But who else but Evander would be able to pull off the stoppage time spectacular he did? Portland essentially pulled a Minnesota and stole three points right out from under NYCFC.
Nashville SC VS LA Galaxy:
What a second half this was. I won't go into what happened in the first half because I did not watch it. All I know is that it ended 0-0.
The second half was pure MLS. When I tuned in, it seemed Galaxy was on the front foot, which makes sense considering Nashville's center-back was literally Brent Kallman. This would only last so long. Joseph Paintsil, an LA Galaxy newcomer, had a beautiful chance, smacking the crossbar, and only forty seconds later conceded a penalty at the other end. Teal Bunbury obviously puts that penalty away. Nashville finds the back of the net another time in the fifty-eighth minute when former Red Bull man Dru Yearwood scores a beauty.
The Galaxy would come back. A Ruiqi Puig goal put Galaxy right back in the game only ten minutes after it seemed Nashville was going to run away with it, and Dan Joveljić followed his path in the eighty-second minute. The last fifteen minutes or so found both teams scrambling to find that late game-winner. Galaxy, although they would've been hoping for more, will be content with the point on the road.
Goals and Highlights:
I already linked it, but I'll link it again. Evander's goal is such a beauty
What a banger from Lorenzo Insigne to snatch all three points at home against Charlotte. Does Toronto finally break out this year? It's a good start.
At the beginning of the year, Giakoumakis had said he wanted the Golden Boot. I remember thinking "This dude doesn't take penalties. There's no way he wins the Golden Boot." Apparently he got the memo: He's taking penalties now. What a masterclass from him, cooking New England.
Gil once again with the masterclass. The result can't take anything away from this goal. New England hasn't started the year too hot, losing their first three matches of 2024. Hopefully, the Gil spark will carry over to the rest of the team soon.
More stoppage time drama! Mohamed Farsi scores the game-winner against the Chicago Fire for the Columbus Crew in stoppage time!
Another stoppage time moment! St. Louis never gives up.
Vancouver got their win on the road with these two great goals. Don't make the mistake I made and watch the whole highlight reel. Literally nothing else happens during the match.
USWNT WIN THE W GOLD CUP!
Just yesterday, the U.S. Women's National Team emerged victorious in the W Gold Cup Final against Brazil. Throughout this tournament, Brazil had remained untested, having won every other match going into the final and having only conceded one goal. Brazil dominated this match as well, there is no denying that. But the USWNT remained strong in their defensive shape, and the Lindsey Horan header was enough to send the team to yet another piece of hardware.
From USWNT Instagram
USMNT Nations League Next Week
The U.S. Men's National Team will be looking to win their third straight CONCACAF Nations League Title. The men have been victorious the last two years, having defeated Mexico in the final in 2021 and Canada in the final this past summer. This tournament is usually every two years, but due to Copa America, I'm assuming that's why it's earlier than normal. The U.S. has already qualified for Copa America just by qualifying for the semis in this tournament. The USMNT will face Jamaica in the Semi-Finals on Thursday, March 21st. Assuming they win this one, they will face the winner of Mexico VS Panama the following Sunday. Your girl is going to DALLAS BABY! I'll be in attendance at these games in person. So stay tuned for that blog post.
That's all for this week! See you next post!
Going into this match, I assumed Bongi Hlongwane would get the start since he wasn't coming off of an injury, and Robin Lod would be sidelined for precautionary reasons. Turns out it was the other way around: Robin Lod regained his starting position, forcing Alejandro Bran to the bench. Caden Clark maintained his starting role from the previous week. Other than those two, the lineup aligned with my prediction.
Just before the match, it was announced that Facundo Torres wouldn't be in the eighteen. Enrique took the place of Torres, and Martins slid into the spot I predicted Cartagena would take. Other than those two changes, my predicted lineup held up (I actually did decently this week).
 |
From MNUFC's Instagram. You know the drill by now. I'm lazy, and I do not have the design skills of admin. |
 |
From Orlando City's Instagram. Again, PLEASE put it in |
The Loons didn't start too hot: In the thirteenth second of the match, a poor giveaway from Dotson led to Duncan McGuire's and Orlando City's first goal of 2024. Before Saturday, the Lions had failed to find the back of the net in either of their two previous matches. City was soaring for about three minutes until a total blunder from Pedro Gallese led to Pukki's first goal of the 2024 season. The Loons were able to close out the first half with a 2-1 lead over the Lions, with Pukki finding the back of the net for a second time.
The second half saw the Loons on their heels: Orlando had multiple chances to find the back of the net. It wasn't until the eighty-third minute when Duncan McGuire finally found the equalizer and his second goal. Weird bounces in the midfield lead to McGuire finding it, Tapias fails to step, and a great finish levels the match. At this point, Loons fans sitting at home were praying for the tie, but Orlando City's missed opportunities would come back to haunt them: On his 2024 season debut, Bongi Hlongwane found the back of the net with a mere three minutes left in the match. Was the result deserved? Maybe not. But don't listen to the haters: a win is a win.
 |
| Klassy |
Immediately following the match, fans witnessed a scuffle between both teams resulting in red cards shown to Joseph Rosales and another Orlando City player. This will be reviewed, but assuming these calls stand, Joseph Rosales will be suspended for the Loons' match against LAFC this coming weekend. This will be a massive loss for the Loons: Joseph Rosales' numbers have been impressive so far this year: He is first on the team in interceptions, tackles, shots blocked, and touches. With the injury to DJ Taylor as well, it will be hard to know who slides into the right and left fullback position.
Standout Players:
Teemu Pukki is my first obvious choice for this week's standout players. Bagging his first two goals of the season, Pukki is starting to find his form. He got off to a bit of a rocky start: No goals in his first two starts for MNUFC this year. But after Saturday's match, it's safe to say the Finn is back. It will also be interesting to see his partnership with Robin Lod grow throughout the season. Lod assisting Pukki's second goal is a good preview for what may be to come.
Also shoutout to Pukki for making team of the week. Or team of the match day? I guess that's the more politically correct term.
 |
| From MNUFC's Instagram |
Another standout player from this past weekend's match would be Joseph Rosales. Once again, Rosales has made a strong case to continue starting. As discussed above, Rosales is leading the team in a variety of stats. As of now, his red card following the Orlando match stands. He will be a massive loss for the Loons facing Western Conference powerhouse LAFC this coming weekend. Despite that, he has claimed that starting position otherwise. (Also MNUFC, GIVE MY MAN A RAISE).
Of course, I have to mention Bongi Hlongwane coming off the bench and scoring the game-winner. I cannot ignore that. Bongi Hlongwane, who joined the team at the beginning of the 2022 season, has become a mainstay in the MNUFC attack. His and Tani Oluwaseyi's introduction to the game brought a spark that was lacking throughout the second half. Also, Bongi once again owns Orlando City. I don't make the rules.
 |
| Typical soccer conversations with my friends. Also, does it track their heart rate? I've heard both that and that it tracks their performance. |
The Loons will be facing LAFC at home this weekend. LAFC, who currently sit in eighth place in the West, haven't come out of the gate as strong as they would've liked or been expected to. After an important win at home against the Seattle Sounders to start the year, their results haven't been living up to the precedent they've set: A 3-0 loss at RSL and a tie against Sporting Kansas City at home leave LAFC yearning for more. They'll be looking for their first road win of the season, while the Loons will be looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive and find their first home win of 2024.
Here's how I predict each team will line up:
As far as Minnesota United is concerned, there will be some key absences this coming weekend: Joseph Rosales' red card and DJ Taylor's injury during the Orlando match will leave vacancies in the fullback position. It is safe to assume that Valentin will take the position of Taylor, as he has been subbed into the last two away matches. The fullback position is a position that, in my opinion, doesn't have as much depth. I would predict Padelford will have to start in Rosales' place. As far as the midfield is concerned, it is expected that Emanuel Reynoso will make his season debut. I assume he will come off the bench in the second half, so for the starting eleven, I predict it will remain unchanged. The only change I would change in the attack from last match would be Bongi Hlongwane for Caden Clark, which would force Sang Bin to the left side.
LAFC has had the same starting lineup for the first three matches of the season. I would argue that their current starting lineup is a full-force starting lineup. I predict they will line up the same way despite the last two results not going the way they would've hoped.
It's no secret that the front three of Bogusz, Bouanga, and Olivera are dangerous, especially Bouanga. Based on what I've seen with LAFC, it seems Olivera is still adjusting to his relatively new club, having only been at LAFC since August of last summer. But he definitely has the potential to be threatening on that right side, especially given the vacancy of Rosales (with all due respect to whoever takes his place for this weekend). The Loons will look to keep Bouanga and the rest of the attack at bay, and LAFC will look to take advantage of the Loons' injuries and Emanuel Reynoso not in the starting eleven. Speaking for all Minnesota United fans, based on Steve Cherundolo's comments following their match against RSL, I hope it snows. I hope they feel the wrath of that Minnesota United winter. (It doesn't seem like it's going to snow, but one can dream).
 |
| Cry. |
MLS: Is It Rigged For The Plot?
After this weekend, my point about MLS being the reality TV of soccer leagues holds true: This weekend had so much stoppage time drama that even casual fans would've had their popcorn ready. Unfortunately, I do have a life once in a while, so I wasn't able to watch as many games as I had hoped. Here's a look at what I did catch:
NYCFC VS Portland Timbers:
I was able to watch this game at my front desk job (work smarter, not harder, as they say). What a game this turned out to be: NYCFC started on the front foot, scoring in the tenth minute. NYCFC dominated the whole first half, and throughout the half, I couldn't help but think "Portland is about to get cooked." It could've easily been 3-0 by the end of the half.
But boy, was I wrong. Portland came out of the gate flying to start the second half. Their dominant second-half performance finally paid off in the eighty-fifth minute when Antony (he does have a full name, but is apparently just known as "Antony) found the back of the net. Based on how the first half had gone, Portland fans would've been content with a tie. But who else but Evander would be able to pull off the stoppage time spectacular he did? Portland essentially pulled a Minnesota and stole three points right out from under NYCFC.
Nashville SC VS LA Galaxy:
What a second half this was. I won't go into what happened in the first half because I did not watch it. All I know is that it ended 0-0.
The second half was pure MLS. When I tuned in, it seemed Galaxy was on the front foot, which makes sense considering Nashville's center-back was literally Brent Kallman. This would only last so long. Joseph Paintsil, an LA Galaxy newcomer, had a beautiful chance, smacking the crossbar, and only forty seconds later conceded a penalty at the other end. Teal Bunbury obviously puts that penalty away. Nashville finds the back of the net another time in the fifty-eighth minute when former Red Bull man Dru Yearwood scores a beauty.
The Galaxy would come back. A Ruiqi Puig goal put Galaxy right back in the game only ten minutes after it seemed Nashville was going to run away with it, and Dan Joveljić followed his path in the eighty-second minute. The last fifteen minutes or so found both teams scrambling to find that late game-winner. Galaxy, although they would've been hoping for more, will be content with the point on the road.
Goals and Highlights:
I already linked it, but I'll link it again. Evander's goal is such a beauty
What a banger from Lorenzo Insigne to snatch all three points at home against Charlotte. Does Toronto finally break out this year? It's a good start.
At the beginning of the year, Giakoumakis had said he wanted the Golden Boot. I remember thinking "This dude doesn't take penalties. There's no way he wins the Golden Boot." Apparently he got the memo: He's taking penalties now. What a masterclass from him, cooking New England.
Gil once again with the masterclass. The result can't take anything away from this goal. New England hasn't started the year too hot, losing their first three matches of 2024. Hopefully, the Gil spark will carry over to the rest of the team soon.
More stoppage time drama! Mohamed Farsi scores the game-winner against the Chicago Fire for the Columbus Crew in stoppage time!
Another stoppage time moment! St. Louis never gives up.
Vancouver got their win on the road with these two great goals. Don't make the mistake I made and watch the whole highlight reel. Literally nothing else happens during the match.
USWNT WIN THE W GOLD CUP!
Just yesterday, the U.S. Women's National Team emerged victorious in the W Gold Cup Final against Brazil. Throughout this tournament, Brazil had remained untested, having won every other match going into the final and having only conceded one goal. Brazil dominated this match as well, there is no denying that. But the USWNT remained strong in their defensive shape, and the Lindsey Horan header was enough to send the team to yet another piece of hardware.
 |
| From USWNT Instagram |
USMNT Nations League Next Week
The U.S. Men's National Team will be looking to win their third straight CONCACAF Nations League Title. The men have been victorious the last two years, having defeated Mexico in the final in 2021 and Canada in the final this past summer. This tournament is usually every two years, but due to Copa America, I'm assuming that's why it's earlier than normal. The U.S. has already qualified for Copa America just by qualifying for the semis in this tournament. The USMNT will face Jamaica in the Semi-Finals on Thursday, March 21st. Assuming they win this one, they will face the winner of Mexico VS Panama the following Sunday. Your girl is going to DALLAS BABY! I'll be in attendance at these games in person. So stay tuned for that blog post.
That's all for this week! See you next post!
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