Soccer Recap 29: The Double-Game Week Rundown, Sporting Kansas City Next, and A Look Around MLS

 

Minnesota Soccer Spot 

Friday, September 20th

The Double-Match Week Rundown, Sporting Kansas City Next, and A Look Around MLS

*Disclaimer: My takes are not thoughtful, and they are NOT based in knowledge.*  

The Double-Match Week Rundown:

This past week, Minnesota United participated in two fixtures. Throughout this double-match week, we saw two sides to this Minnesota team: a side that was cohesive, productive, and solid defensively and a side whose defensive line was as strong as a dam with a hole in it. This Minnesota side faced tough defensive battles and controversy with the officiating. Let's unpack:

Minnesota United VS St. Louis City:

This past Saturday, Minnesota United traveled to downtown St. Louis, Missouri, aiming to steal three points from last year's Western Conference first-place finishers. Going into this match, Minnesota United wanted to maintain or advance their position in their playoff push. For the Missouri home side, this match felt like a must-win match. While St. Louis City was and is not eliminated from playoff contention, these three points were vital. This match felt like a six-pointer for both sides in their playoff push. 

The Linups:

MNUFC Lineup

St. Louis City Lineup

Minnesota United put forward a 4-2-3-1 lineup. Dayne St. Clair remains in the net. Defensively, Eric Ramsay decided to shake things up: The typical centerback pairing of Michael Boxall and Mickey Tapias get the start at centre back. Rosales is moved to the bench, presumably to be rested from the international break. (He played two full ninety-minute plus stoppage time matches for Honduras the week before). Devin Padelford takes his spot on the left. Newcomer Jefferson Díaz takes on a new role at right-back, a role fans would normally see DJ Taylor or Sang Bin (as of late) start. The midfield of Trapp and Dotson is familiar to those around during the Adrian Heath era. Lod and Bongi start on the wings, while Joaquin Pereyra gets his first start for the Loons. Kelvin Yeboah continues to start up top. 

For St. Louis, interim head coach John Hackworth put an identical formation to the Loons. João Klauss gets his first start up-top since June 22nd. The two-time MLS All-Star Roman Bürki gets the start in net. Some familiar names for MLS fans include defender & U.S. international Henry Kessler, who scored the previous week against the New England Revolution, and winger Simon Becher, who scored the goal of the match day last week and St. Louis' second against New England. 

The Match:

The match started poorly for the visitors: In the fourth minute, a ball is served over the top of Minnesota's midfield, finding the run of Simon Becher. Boxall attempts to make a defensive challenge, but it's not enough. It looks like he at least gets a little bit of the ball, but the ball deflects off Tapias, who is making a recovery run. The deflection falls right to the foot of Cedric Teuchert, who finishes the shot first-time. Watching it in real-time, it looks like Becher may be offside on the initial over-the-top ball, but it is too tight to be clear and obvious, so the goal stands. In my opinion, he looks to be onside, Tapias being the defender keeping him in that position. In an event that is both poorly defended and unlucky, St. Louis takes the lead.

Minnesota would start to gain some momentum: In the nineteenth minute, Pereyra takes his first set piece for the Loons. The ball gets through the players in the box, and it is partially cleared by St. Louis. Dotson, who is making a run at the top of the box, takes a wicked shot from distance, but it is blocked by St. Louis midfielder Chris Durkin. Minnesota would have a few more half-chances, but they would find the equalizer in the twenty-third minute: Bongi's pressure would force a turnover from the home side. The ball would fall to the feet of Yeboah. His shot from the top of the box produces a smart save from Bürki, but Bongi would follow up on the rebound. It is now a tie game. 

For the rest of the first half, both teams would have solid chances to retake the lead. In the twenty-seventh minute, a shot from Teuchert produces a save from St. Clair. On the other end, a shot from Robin Lod would lack the power it needed to get past Roman Bürki. Just a couple of minutes later, St. Louis striker João Klauss takes a shot from distance that ricochets off the side netting. Another shot from Klauss would force a smart intervention from Jefferson Díaz, keeping the match level. Right before the end of the half, a longer-distance strike from Dotson would force Bürki into another save. The first half would end 1-1 in what was an end-to-end thrill. 

Minnesota would start the second half with momentum: Right off of the opening kick, the ball would fall to Yeboah making a central run. His distance strike would force yet another save from the St. Louis goalkeeper, keeping the match level. The speed from the Loons' attack would pay off: In the fifty-second minute, Yeboah's speed gets the better of James Horn. His cross, unfortunately for St. Louis, falls right to the foot of Jayden Reid, who puts it into his own net. It's 2-1 in favor of the visitors. 

The Loons would continue to add to their tally: In the fifty-seventh minute, a corner kick from the visitors finds the head of Boxall. His header is blocked by a St. Louis defender and is cleared. In real-time, you can see Kelvin Yeboah gesturing for a handball toward the referee. V.A.R. calls the referee over to have a second look, and in the end, a penalty is awarded to Minnesota. Yeboah puts the penalty away in a cool, calm, and collected fashion. The Loons are up 3-1 on the home side, and they are cruising.  

Clearly a hand ball

This is when things start to get dicey: In the sixty-seventh minute, Díaz makes a challenge on Klauss either in or right next to Minnesota's box. In real-time, the referee awards a free kick outside of the area. St. Louis players are demanding the referee look at the monitor, and he is eventually sent over to take a look. In the end, the referee sticks with his original call on the field. In my opinion, I agree with this decision. Had it been called a penalty on the field, I believe that call would've stood as well. But I would argue that the angle given doesn't clearly and obviously show that the foul happened on the line or in the box. The free kick doesn't amount to much, and the match remains 3-1. 

Like, this is blurry af. No way you can tell where the foul occurs here. 

Minnesota would dominate the rest of the second half. Robin Lod would have an opportunity to make it four for the visitors, but he scuffs the shot wide. A shot from Tani Oluwaseyi, who came off of the bench, would force Bürki into another save. A shot from Carlos Harvey, who also came off of the bench, is easily saved from Bürki. And with those opportunities, the match would end 3-1. 

In summary, it was a solid performance from the Loons. After going down early, the team was able to dig deep and get a solid result in their playoff push. With this road win, Minnesota United set their club record for the most road goals in a season with twenty-five goals and counting. They also tied their record for most road wins and points in a season. 

Minnesota United VS St. Louis City Highlights

Minnesota United VS FC Cincinnati:

The Linups:

MNUFC Lineup

FC Cincinnati Lineup

For Minnesota, Eric Ramsay put forward the same formation from the previous match with some personnel switches. Rosales gets the start at left-back, moving Padelford to the bench from the previous week. Boxall and Tapias start together at centre back, and Díaz maintains his position at right back. Dotson maintains his position in the midfield, but Carlos Harvey gets the start ahead of Trapp next to Hassani. Robin Lod and Pareyra switch spots, putting Lod at the ten role and Pareyra on the right. Both Bongi and Yeboah maintain their starting positions from the previous fixture. 

FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan presents a 3-4-2-1 formation going into this match. The front three of Acosta, Kubo, and Kelsy have proven to be deadly. With twenty-seven goals (including the two scored in this match) between the three of them, they have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with. U.S. international defender and midfielder/defender Miles Robinson and DeAndre Yedlin get the start. 

The Match:

The scoreline won't reflect it, but Minnesota had some solid chances in the first half. In the seventh minute, Carlos Harvey does an efficient job at working the ball up Minnesota's left side. He finds Robin Lod around the top of Cincinnati's box. Lod lays it off for Yeboah, but he doesn't get enough power on the shot. In the seventeenth minute, Joseph Rosales provides a long ball to Pereyra making a run down the left side. He and Harvey complete a give-and-go pass. Pareyra finds Yeboah, whose first-time strike ricochets off the outside of the post. In the twentieth minute, all of FC Cincinnati was in Minnesota's half. Yedlin gives the ball away, and Pareyra is by himself making a run up the center of midfield. He gets the shot wrong, and the FC Cincinnati goalkeeper is able to make a relatively easy save. 

It's around this time Cincinnati would grow into the match. In the twenty-fifth minute, a corner kick is given to the away side. The ball finds the head of Chidozie Awaziem whose header on-target is saved by St. Clair and cleared by Hlongwane. In the twenty-ninth minute, Kubo gets around both Rosales and Boxall, but his shot is saved by St. Clair in his best save of the match thus far. Eventually, these chances would turn into the opening goal for FC Cincinnati: In the thirty-third minute, a lovely split ball from Awaziem would find the run of Kubo. He splits both Tapias and Boxall, finishing first time. There's nothing St. Clair can do, and the away side is up 1-0. 

It would go from bad to worse for Minnesota. Just before the end of the half, Cincinnati does an efficient job working the ball down Minnesota's right side. A lovely flick from Kubo finds the run of Orellano. He gets past Boxall, megs Tapias, and finishes beautifully. It's 2-0 in favor of the away side and yet another poor moment from Minnesota's defense. 

The second half would start with some controversy: In the forty-eighth minute, a corner kick is served into Cincinnati's box. The ball is partially cleared but only as far as Sang Bin Jeong who had come in as a substitute. He lowers his head just a bit to head the ball, but in real time, it looks like Orellano catches SBJ with his foot. The referee is called over to video review to look for a potential penalty. A penalty is awarded in Minnesota's favor and Yeboah puts it away, halving the deficit. 

Here's my breakdown of the call: I think it's a penalty. From this angle, I believe it's clearly inside the box. I know Cincinnati's fanbase was PISSED about this call arguing that Sang Bin lowered his head, but if you look at the reply, to get to the ball, he didn't have a choice. He could've MAYBE volleyed the ball, but how it bounces would've made that rather difficult. Sang Bin definitely lowers his head, but that is also a high boot from Orellano regardless of where Sang Bin's head is placed. The foul is not an intentional one, but again, for the hundredth time, intention doesn't matter. If a Minnesota player made that foul against a Cincinnati player, Cincinnati fans would be throwing beers (literally). A play like that being unintentional doesn't change the fact that it is a foul. 

From then on, Minnesota would continue to dominate the match, but sadly, their chances wouldn't generate an equalizer. In the seventy-fifth minute, a ball over the top from Boxall finds Yeboah. His shot is saved by the FC Cincinnati goalkeeper, but it wouldn't have counted either way due to him being in an offside position. In the eighty-third minute, a ball from Rosales would find the head of Díaz, but it goes just over the bar. In the eighty-eighth minute, Minnesota does a solid job working the ball through the midfield. It leads to a fabulous strike from Pukki that, unfortunately, hits the edge of the far post. In the ninety-fifth minute, Dotson serves a ball into Cincinnati's box from midfield. Boxall then lays the ball off to Díaz whose point-blank shot is deflected over. Another incredible shot from Pukki would be saved by Celentano. 

The final play is the most controversial of the match. The highlight reel doesn't include it, but I was there live. I don't remember the play-by-play, but here is a photo of the handball that was deemed not a handball:

In my opinion, this is a handball, or it should've at least been looked at. I would argue the FC Cincinnati player is handling the ball with his arm in an unnatural position. This not at least being reviewed would be insane to me if the referees hadn't proved their incompetence time and time again. Officiating in this league is as inconsistent as a college situationship. Unfortunately for Minnesota, this call was the final call of the match, and their momentum would not pay off. 

In summary, history repeats itself once again. This is a typical display from this Minnesotan side. Missed chances and poor defensive moments continue to lead to the downfall of this team. Tapias and Boxall have been poor throughout the season, and this past Wednesday was a prime example of that. It's interesting because when Minnesota first joined the league, Adrian Heath and the front office's main goal was to beef up our defense first and foremost. For years, the issue had been our attack: We struggled to score goals and find a striker that worked with our system. But through all that, we had a solid defense in the likes of Ike Opara, a younger Michael Boxall, Romain Metanire, etc. Now, it feels like the opposite: We're finding a groove in our attack with Yeboah, Bongi looking like his old self, Lod coming into his own, etc. But with Boxall losing a step, Tapias just not cutting it at times, Padelford being inconsistent, and Díaz off to a rough start, it's as though we may have to rebuild the part of our team we've always used as a crutch for mediocrity. 

Minnesota United VS FC Cincinnati Highlights

Sporting Kansas City Next:

Tomorrow night, Minnesota United will take on Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park. Similarly to St. Louis City, Sporting Kansas City is still alive in the playoff push, but their situation is dire. They currently sit at twelfth in the West with thirty-one points, a whole eight points behind the Loons. Minnesota United continues to maintain that ninth-place position just above the playoff line. 

Here's how I predict Minnesota to line up:

I like the 4-2-3-1 formation with this specific lineup because, for the most part, it allows the players to be in positions that suit their skill set. Other than Trapp taking the place of Harvey, I don't think the lineup will be different than this past Wednesday's lineup. Personally, I would like to see Sang Bin in the right-back position in place of Díaz, but I doubt Ramsay will make that change. As I've said before, he seems set on integrating Díaz into Minnesota's defensive system. I think keeping Lod in a more central position benefits his style of game. I also think Yeboah, despite Pukki having a positive showing off the bench, has continued to earn that starting spot up top. As for Oluwaseyi, I think the introduction of Yeboah and his injury have sidelined him a bit. I still think he is a valuable asset off the bench, but it may take him a bit to work back into the starting eleven. 

With a win tomorrow night, Minnesota can knock Sporting Kansas City out of the playoff race. It'll be a tough match considering Minnesota has only ever won ONCE in Kansas City, and that was the incredible Western Conference semi-final of 2020. 

Minnesota will take on Sporting Kansas City at 7:30 PM central time tomorrow night. 

A Look Around MLS:

With multiple match days this week, we'll break down the highlights by matchday. Let's get into it!

Saturday, September 14th:

Philadelphia Union VS Inter Miami: HIGHLIGHTS

Messi Return = Messi BRACE (Inter Miami): In Messi's return from injury, he is able to put two goals past the Philadelphia Union. He along with the rest of the team earned a 3-1 victory against the Union. 

Orlando City VS New England Revolution: HIGHLIGHTS

Santos BANGER (Orlando City): This is the first of three goals from this match. Orlando City continue to fly with six wins in their last seven matches (not counting their win this past Wednesday). After a rough start, Orlando have turned it around. This match was a 3-0 victory for the Lions. 

Toronto FC VS Austin FC: HIGHLIGHTS

Jonathan Osorio BANGER (Toronto FC): This was a great finish from the Canadian. Toronto defeated Austin 2-1 at home. It's a solid three points for the Eastern Conference side. 

Owen Wolff Goal (Austin FC): What a great goal from Owen Wolff! The first touch is class, the cut is class... Everything about this goal is class. It wouldn't be enough to get Austin a result, but take nothing away from this goal. Nepotism may be real, but at least Owen Wolff is actually good at soccer. 

D.C. United VS NYCFC HIGHLIGHTS

Not much to see here. Two penalty kicks aren't worth making separate highlights. This match ended 1-1.

Atlanta United VS Nashville: HIGHLIGHTS

Muyl Goal (Nashville SC): What a great finish this was! It is the midfielder's first goal in over 400 minutes of play. This match would end 2-0 in favor of the away side. 

Montreal VS Charlotte: HIGHLIGHTS

Caden Clark First Goal For Montreal (Montreal, Obviously): This was the first goal for the former Loon at his new club! He would also create the opportunity to lead to the second goal in Montreal's 2-1 win over Charlotte FC. 

Tim Ream First Goal for Charlotte (Charlotte): The USMNT International gets his first goal in his Major League Soccer return! It wouldn't be enough for the away side to get a result, but it's a great set piece goal. 

Houston Dynamo VS Real Salt Lake: HIGHLIGHTS

In this fixture, the Houston Dynamo would win 4-1 over Real Salt Lake. 

Would you be shocked if I told you he was suspended for violating MLS' anti-harasment policy? 

Chicago Fire VS NY Red Bulls: HIGHLIGHTS

Chicago Fire was able to squeak out a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. It is a valuable three points for this struggling Chicago Fire side with two solid goals. 

Colorado Rapids VS Portland Timbers: HIGHLIGHTS

Colorado is flying! Since Leagues Cup, they've entered the conversation. This was a 2-1 victory for the home side. 

LAFC Vs Galaxy: HIGHLIGHTS

This match was crazy. In a 4-2 victory for the L.A. Galaxy, they have cemented themselves as the best in the West. At the end of the first half, LAFC found themselves up 2-0 against their cross-town rivals, but a four-goal comeback for the home side would result in a monumental win in the race for the Supporters' Shield. If you have to pick one reel to watch, it's this one. 

Wednesday, September 18th:

Philadelphia Union VS NYCFC: HIGHLIGHTS

Long story short, the Union kicked NYCFC's at home. Sucks to suck. Sucks to play in a baseball stadium. Suck it. 

New England VS Montreal Impact:

This 2-2 match had FOUR banger goals. I will be linking them all.

Bobby Wood BANGER (New England): What a great goal! 

Bajraktarevic Goal (New England): This was also a great goal

Atlanta United VS Inter Miami: HIGHLIGHTS

Aleksei Andreyevich Goal (Atlanta United): This is an absolute banger. This was the equalizing goal in the 2-2 match this past Wednesday. It was a thrilling match between two eastern conference foes. 

Columbus Crew VS Toronto FC: HIGHLIGHTS

Cucho GOAL: This is one of two goals in Columbus' 2-0 victory over Toronto FC. The reigning MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions are continuing to dominate the league. 

Orlando City VS Charlotte: HIGHLIGHTS

This was another Eastern Conference clash. Orlando City found themselves on the winning end of this match with a 2-0 victory over Charlotte.

Sporting Kansas City VS Colorado Rapids: HIGHLIGHTS

Sporting Kansas City provided a dominant performance over a Colorado Rapids team that has been a force to be reckoned with. Their 4-1 victory over their Western Conference opponent saw braces from both Alan Pulido and Erik Thommy. 

Nashville VS Chicago: HIGHLIGHTS

Chicago's momentum only lasted for one match it seems. The one goal from Sam Surridge would be enough for Nashville to get all three points. 

Houston Dynamo VS Vancouver Whitecaps: HIGHLIGHTS

This 1-1 tie isn't worth linking the individual goals. This was a 1-1 draw. 

RSL VS Dallas: HIGHLIGHTS

This five-goal thriller was CRAZY! Anderson Julio scored yet ANOTHER ABSOLUTE BANGER. Jesus Ferreira reminded everyone he existed, and RSL looked stupid as hell. RSL was able to hold on to a 3-2 victory for all three points. 

Anderson Julio GOALAZO (RSL): This goal is just insane. No words. 

Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas): RSL caught sleeping in 4K

Seattle Sounders VS San Jose Earthquakes: HIGHLIGHTS

This match was a 2-2 tie between the two Western Conference teams. This match had a brace from Jordan Morris. 

Portland Timbers VS L.A. Galaxy: HIGHLIGHTS

SIX GOAL THRILLER! Portland are making their presence known with their attack. That being said, Galaxy always find a way to make an impact. 

LAFC VS Austin FC: HIGHLIGHTS

Another 1-1 tie. Super exciting soccer stuff. 

That's all for this week!