Soccer Recap 26: Loons Take The L, A Look Around MLS, and Leagues Cup Concludes
Minnesota Soccer Spot
Tuesday, August 27th
Loons Take The L, A Look Around MLS, and Leagues Cup Concludes
*Disclaimer: My takes are not thoughtful, and they are NOT based in knowledge.*
Loons Take The L
This past weekend, Minnesota United took on the Seattle Sounders at Allianz Field. In an evening of history made and history repeated, the Loons, once again, fell short of the two-time MLS Cup champions. It was an evening of firsts for some and the same irritation for others. This match had everything: Multiple goals, penalties, chaos, debutants, etc. We will break it down in the most unproductive and unprofessional blog you've ever read.
Going into this match, fans were excited to see some new faces on this Minnesota United Roster. Over the break, we signed multiple players across multiple continents. Two of these debutants made their first Minnesota United starts this past Saturday.
The Lineups:
As far as Minnesota's lineup is concerned, Ramsay opts to go with the familiar 5-3-2 lineup. In a surprising turn of events, twenty-three-year-old & new signing Jefferson Díaz gets the start in the center back position alongside Tapias and Boxall. Rosales maintains his left-back position, and Sang Bin Jeong returns from his absence to fill DJ Taylor's position. Some fans were surprised not to see new signing Matús Kmet get the start at right back, but SBJ is a familiar face in that position as of late. Wil Trapp returns from injury to reclaim his spot in the midfield alongside Dotson and Lod. Pukki gets the start up top due to Oluwaseyi's absence, and Kelvin Yeboah gets his first start in black and blue.
In regards to Seattle, head coach Brian Schmetzer opts to go with a 4-3-2-1 formation. The backline is all too familiar with the likes of Nouhou (who by the way, goes by just 'Nouhou.' He's basically Cher or Madonna), Yéimar, Ragen, and Alex Roldan. João Paulo and youngster Obed Vargas start in the center of midfield, with Rusnák at the ten and Christian Roldan and Rothrock on the wings. U.S. international (hopefully returned U.S. international) Jordan Morris gets the start up top.
The Match:
The match started quietly for both sides minus a cynical tackle from Nouhou resulting in the match's first yellow card. (*Pretends to be shocked*). Seattle would jump on Minnesota's mistakes: In the eleventh minute, debutant Jefferson Díaz attempts to switch the ball to Robin Lod. Lod slips, and a split ball to Jordan Morris catches Boxall sleeping. He finishes, and the Sounders are up 1-0 on the road. It's another poor defensive moment from Boxall and an unlucky slip from Lod.
The match would take a turn. In the twenty-first minute, both teams are fighting for the ball in Seattle's defensive third. In real-time, it looks as though Yéimar unintentionally kicks Minnesota United's Kelvin Yeboah as he's trying to make a play on the ball. It is waived off on the field, but VAR sends the referee to take another look. The final decision is a penalty for Minnesota United. Kelvin Yeboah steps up to the spot, and with a cheeky finish, he equalizes with his first goal in Minnesota United colors.
Very Demure. Very mindful.
This momentum for Minnesota wouldn't last long: In the twenty-seventh minute, Seattle does an efficient job working the ball down Minnesota's left-hand side. Rusnák delivers a perfect ball to find the head of Jackson Ragen. Díaz loses the aerial dual with the Seattle defender, St. Clair can't get to the ball, and Seattle retakes the lead.
Minnesota would have a few more half-chances before the end of the half, but ultimately, it would end in Seattle's favor. Contrary to the internet's void of complaints, attacking-wise, the Loons looked solid. At this point in the match, they are still generating chances and possession. Yeboah's goal has given some hope as far as the nine position is concerned. The real issue comes down to poor defensive moments, an issue we have seen time and time again this season.
Minnesota would start the second half brightly with a few half chances. Wil Trapp is providing clever passes to split Seattle's defense. Just ten minutes into the second half, the pressure would pay off. In the fifty-sixth minute, Dotson finds the run of Wil Trapp. Trapp then provides a savvy split ball to find the central run of Kelvin Yeboah. With pure class and composure, Yeboah chips the ball over Seattle goalkeeper Steffan Frei, and the match is level again. It's a brace for the Ghanaian in his Loons debut, and the home team looks to be searching for a winner.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, their old foes would find a way: In the seventy-fifth minute, the ball is bouncing around the Minnesota United box. Tapias is finally able to clear the ball with his head, but it falls right to the foot of Albert Rusnák. Lod slips again, creating the space for the Slovakian to shoot, and he finishes beautifully. The match is 3-2 in favor of Seattle.
The rest of the match would be filled with mainly half-chances for Minnesota United. A shot from Hassani Dotson is deflected straight into the arms of Steffan Frei. Another shot from the substitute Bongi Hlongwane is straight at the Seattle goalkeeper. Dayne St. Clair would be called into action in a one-on-one with Jordan Morris, St. Clair getting the better of the Seattle striker. With that, the match would end 3-2. It's another disappointing result for Minnesota in their quest to make the playoffs.
Loons Take The L
This past weekend, Minnesota United took on the Seattle Sounders at Allianz Field. In an evening of history made and history repeated, the Loons, once again, fell short of the two-time MLS Cup champions. It was an evening of firsts for some and the same irritation for others. This match had everything: Multiple goals, penalties, chaos, debutants, etc. We will break it down in the most unproductive and unprofessional blog you've ever read.
Going into this match, fans were excited to see some new faces on this Minnesota United Roster. Over the break, we signed multiple players across multiple continents. Two of these debutants made their first Minnesota United starts this past Saturday.
The Lineups:
As far as Minnesota's lineup is concerned, Ramsay opts to go with the familiar 5-3-2 lineup. In a surprising turn of events, twenty-three-year-old & new signing Jefferson Díaz gets the start in the center back position alongside Tapias and Boxall. Rosales maintains his left-back position, and Sang Bin Jeong returns from his absence to fill DJ Taylor's position. Some fans were surprised not to see new signing Matús Kmet get the start at right back, but SBJ is a familiar face in that position as of late. Wil Trapp returns from injury to reclaim his spot in the midfield alongside Dotson and Lod. Pukki gets the start up top due to Oluwaseyi's absence, and Kelvin Yeboah gets his first start in black and blue.
The match started quietly for both sides minus a cynical tackle from Nouhou resulting in the match's first yellow card. (*Pretends to be shocked*). Seattle would jump on Minnesota's mistakes: In the eleventh minute, debutant Jefferson Díaz attempts to switch the ball to Robin Lod. Lod slips, and a split ball to Jordan Morris catches Boxall sleeping. He finishes, and the Sounders are up 1-0 on the road. It's another poor defensive moment from Boxall and an unlucky slip from Lod.
The match would take a turn. In the twenty-first minute, both teams are fighting for the ball in Seattle's defensive third. In real-time, it looks as though Yéimar unintentionally kicks Minnesota United's Kelvin Yeboah as he's trying to make a play on the ball. It is waived off on the field, but VAR sends the referee to take another look. The final decision is a penalty for Minnesota United. Kelvin Yeboah steps up to the spot, and with a cheeky finish, he equalizes with his first goal in Minnesota United colors.
 |
| Very Demure. Very mindful. |
This momentum for Minnesota wouldn't last long: In the twenty-seventh minute, Seattle does an efficient job working the ball down Minnesota's left-hand side. Rusnák delivers a perfect ball to find the head of Jackson Ragen. Díaz loses the aerial dual with the Seattle defender, St. Clair can't get to the ball, and Seattle retakes the lead.
Minnesota would have a few more half-chances before the end of the half, but ultimately, it would end in Seattle's favor. Contrary to the internet's void of complaints, attacking-wise, the Loons looked solid. At this point in the match, they are still generating chances and possession. Yeboah's goal has given some hope as far as the nine position is concerned. The real issue comes down to poor defensive moments, an issue we have seen time and time again this season.
Minnesota would start the second half brightly with a few half chances. Wil Trapp is providing clever passes to split Seattle's defense. Just ten minutes into the second half, the pressure would pay off. In the fifty-sixth minute, Dotson finds the run of Wil Trapp. Trapp then provides a savvy split ball to find the central run of Kelvin Yeboah. With pure class and composure, Yeboah chips the ball over Seattle goalkeeper Steffan Frei, and the match is level again. It's a brace for the Ghanaian in his Loons debut, and the home team looks to be searching for a winner.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, their old foes would find a way: In the seventy-fifth minute, the ball is bouncing around the Minnesota United box. Tapias is finally able to clear the ball with his head, but it falls right to the foot of Albert Rusnák. Lod slips again, creating the space for the Slovakian to shoot, and he finishes beautifully. The match is 3-2 in favor of Seattle.
The rest of the match would be filled with mainly half-chances for Minnesota United. A shot from Hassani Dotson is deflected straight into the arms of Steffan Frei. Another shot from the substitute Bongi Hlongwane is straight at the Seattle goalkeeper. Dayne St. Clair would be called into action in a one-on-one with Jordan Morris, St. Clair getting the better of the Seattle striker. With that, the match would end 3-2. It's another disappointing result for Minnesota in their quest to make the playoffs.
A Look Around MLS
This past weekend was WILD! Here's a look at the important stuff:
Suárez Brace Inside SIX MINUTES: Inter Miami would find a victory over last year's Supporters' Shield winners with the help of Luis Suárez. In the 2-0 victory for Miami, both goals would be scored within the first six minutes of the match. This win over Cincinnati locks Miami in for a 2024 MLS playoff spot.
Dog Owner: "Don't worry, he doesn't bite."
The Dog:
New England DESTROYS Montreal: This past Saturday, the New England Revolution traveled across the northern border to take on Montreal. They would leave with five goals to their record and three points on their back. This match saw goals from Bobby Wood, Nick Lima, Giacomo Vrioni, and MLS newcomer Luca Langoni.
Is Sporting Kansas City Back?: Sporting Kansas City seems to have made a comeback with their 3-0 victory over Orlando this past weekend. The Western Conference team has struggled to find consistent form these past couple of years. With that said, any MLS fan knows this roster has the potential to be one of the best in the West. There is now a glimmer of hope for the struggling side.
Don't get confused: My beef with this man is still personal
INSANITY IN PORTLAND: WHAT A MATCH THIS WAS! Sadly, I picked the wrong MLS after dark match to watch (no offense L.A.). In this eight-goal thriller, both teams would have moments of brilliance and moments of failure. It had everything: Red cards, penalties, and stoppage time insanity. If there is one match to re-watch/watch the replay, this one would be it. I'm assuming you're normal, so highlights will do this match enough justice.
Suárez Brace Inside SIX MINUTES: Inter Miami would find a victory over last year's Supporters' Shield winners with the help of Luis Suárez. In the 2-0 victory for Miami, both goals would be scored within the first six minutes of the match. This win over Cincinnati locks Miami in for a 2024 MLS playoff spot.
 |
| Dog Owner: "Don't worry, he doesn't bite." The Dog: |
New England DESTROYS Montreal: This past Saturday, the New England Revolution traveled across the northern border to take on Montreal. They would leave with five goals to their record and three points on their back. This match saw goals from Bobby Wood, Nick Lima, Giacomo Vrioni, and MLS newcomer Luca Langoni.
Is Sporting Kansas City Back?: Sporting Kansas City seems to have made a comeback with their 3-0 victory over Orlando this past weekend. The Western Conference team has struggled to find consistent form these past couple of years. With that said, any MLS fan knows this roster has the potential to be one of the best in the West. There is now a glimmer of hope for the struggling side.
 |
| Don't get confused: My beef with this man is still personal |
INSANITY IN PORTLAND: WHAT A MATCH THIS WAS! Sadly, I picked the wrong MLS after dark match to watch (no offense L.A.). In this eight-goal thriller, both teams would have moments of brilliance and moments of failure. It had everything: Red cards, penalties, and stoppage time insanity. If there is one match to re-watch/watch the replay, this one would be it. I'm assuming you're normal, so highlights will do this match enough justice.
Leagues Cup Concludes
This past Sunday, both the third place and final matches were played to decide not only the Leagues Cup winners but also who would qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Going into this Sunday, it was already known that both the Columbus Crew and LAFC had qualified for next year's tournament. The third-place match between the Colorado Rapids and the Philadelphia Union would decide the third and final spot in next year's tournament.
(Disclaimer: There is one winner of Leagues Cup, but the top three teams from Leagues Cup qualify for more of an international tournament this coming winter called the CONCACAF Champions League. CONCACAF Champions Cup decides the best of the best in North America. It's basically the Champions League in Europe if the Champions League in Europe was on cocaine and involved more genuine insanity).
As far as the third-place match is concerned, I was unable to watch the majority of it. This match would end 2-2, forcing the two teams to go to penalties. Both Andre Blake (Phili's goalkeeper) and Zack Steffen (Colorado's goalkeeper) had carried their teams through penalty shootouts leading up to this match. In the end, Zack Steffen would come up with multiple saves, granting the Rapids a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. This is huge for the Rapids: Colorado is a team that has been struggling following their remarkable run in 2021. It's history for their club.
Now, onto the final: The final match took place between the Columbus Crew and LAFC, two of the best teams in the league. The Columbus Crew have proven themselves worthy in recent years. Since 2020, they have won the MLS Cup twice and made it to the Champions Cup final. LAFC has also proven themselves: They won the MLS Cup back in 2022, and they won the Supporters' Shield in 2019 and 2022. It was a rematch of last year's MLS Cup, a match Columbus came out on top in.
It was a great match: Columbus completely dominated the first half. Their dominance would pay off in the forty-fifth minute: Mohamed Farsi found the run of Zawadzki on the Crew's right side. He finds Farsi more centrally, who provides the perfect chip to Cucho. He heads it home for a 1-0 Columbus lead.
The second half would be a different story (until the last few minutes or so). It was the opposite of the first half with LAFC creating most of the legitimate chances. Their pressure would pay off in the fifty-seventh minute: Bogusz serves an in-swinging ball off the corner kick that finds the head of L.A.'s new signing Olivier Giroud. He puts it away to equalize for the visitors.
From then on, it looks as though LAFC might find the winner. Their play in the second half was superior, dominating Columbus. Even after the goal, they had a few legitimate chances, almost taking advantage of Columbus' defensive blunders. Unfortunately for the visiting side, Columbus would find a way: In stoppage time, they were able to put two goals past LAFC. It was a disastrous collapse from the visitors, but in the end, the result is unsurprising. The Columbus Crew is the best team in MLS, and this is more proof of that. The match would end 3-1, and the Crew would lift yet ANOTHER trophy.
That's all for this week!
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