MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United and FC Dallas Play to Scoreless Draw, Share the Points

Published on April 30, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota United hosted FC Dallas on Sunday night, where the Loons created a multitude of scoring chances, but came up empty in what was a 0-0 draw at Allianz Field that saw both teams share the points.

The boys in Black and Blue saw much of the scoring opportunities in the first half of the match between the sides, particularly through the first 30 minutes of the match. Midfielder Robin Lod had a header saved in the 11th minute, while a 28th-minute breakaway gave the Finnish international his second close chance that was ultimately saved from close range. In the 13th minute, forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane also added to MNUFC's scoring opportunities when he found open space with a run into the box, but his shot was also saved by Dallas' Maarten Paes. Minnesota outshot Dallas 9-2 while holding 49 percent of possession during the first 45 minutes.

It was more of the same in the second half between the Texas and Minnesota sides. Though Dallas continued to hold the slight edge in possession (50.3 percent), the Loons outweighed their opponents in shots to finish the night, 17-5, with five of those MNUFC shots being on target. Two notable chances nearly gave Minnesota the lead, first when Lod dribbled around five FCD players in tip-toe fashion before firing off a shot that missed the net inches wide to the right in the 72nd minute. Forward Luis Amarilla had a close chance at the last moments of the match in added stoppage time, but the shot was off the mark, he was ruled offside and the referee blew the full-time whistle just two minutes later, ending the match in a scoreless draw. With the result, MNUFC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair earned his third shutout of the 2023 regular-season - his 14th in MLS regular-season action to-date.

With the draw, Minnesota United holds a 3-3-3 (W-L-D) record and 12 points in 2023 regular-season action.

ATTENDANCE: 18,410

BELL BANK MAN OF THE MATCH: Midfielder Robin Lod

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United XI: GK Dayne St. Clair; D Kemar Lawrence, Miguel Tapias, Michael Boxall, DJ Taylor; M Hassani Dotson, Wil Trapp (c), Robin Lod; F Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Sang Bin Jeong, Luis Amarilla

Bench: GK Clint Irwin, Eric Dick; D Brent Kallman, Zarek Valentin; M Franco Fragapane, Joseph Rosales; F Cameron Dunbar, Mender Garcia

FC Dallas XI: GK Maarten Paes; D Jose Martinez, Ema Twumasi, Sebastien Ibeagha, Sam Junqua; M Edwin Cerrillo, Sebastian Lletget, Paxton Pomykal; F Paul Arriola (c), Jader Obrian, Jesus Ferreira

Bench: GK Jimmy Maurer; D Marco Farfan, Amet Korca, Nolan Norris, Geovane de Jesus Rocha; M Katlego Ntsabeleng, Facundo Quignon; F Jesus Jimenez, Bernard Kamungo

UP NEXT:

MINNESOTA UNITED FC @ VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

BC Place | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

05.06.2023 | MLS 2023 Regular Season | Matchday 11

9:30 pm CT (MLS Season Pass/1500 ESPN)

MINNESOTA UNITED POST GAME QUOTE SHEET

HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH

On overall thoughts of the match...

"Obviously disappointing we haven't scored. You can look at the opportunities that we've had. We've had probably three, four clear-cut opportunities but pretty much a microcosm of the season at this moment in time. It's a lot of good approach play, a lot of good movement with the ball and the final, most important piece- the final touch is not quite there at the moment."

On the substitutions made after the first half...

"I thought that Robin [Lod] was like his old self again tonight. I thought when he went in midfield, actually, he got us control of the game again. It was a bit end-to-end at one stage and that's the type of game they enjoy because they're very good on the counterattack and in transition moments. Robin gave us some calmness in there and some strength of possession. We went for the game. At the end of the day, we had five, six front people on. Robin's played up the front. There were some good aspects of our play this evening but obviously, the most important one is in the final-third. That's the game changer in football. That's why Erling Haaland is worth $200 million because he gets 50 goals a season, and that's the problem."

On the result after dominating the play in the match...

"When we actually got on the ball in the first half and switched the play, we kept getting both fullbacks high and wide and getting them in their half of the field. The way that they play with a deep-line six and it's difficult to go and mark him because then you've got people behind you. And when we've only got two people in there, it becomes difficult. I can't really think of Dayne [St. Clair] having a big save to make other than maybe late on when he's come out for one. So we've restricted a good attacking team to not an awful lot this evening. The only disappointment is that we haven't taken the advantage of the opportunities that we created ourselves."

On getting Sang Bin Jeong involved in the play...

"He's going to have to get fitter, we know that. He's working really, really hard. We're going to get to the stage where he's going to have to do 90 minutes but at this minute in time, with the energy he's putting in, he's not capable of doing that yet."

On Emanuel Reynoso and club efforts to encourage his return...

"We've had people down there for a lot of time. We've spoken to Rey [Emanuel Reynoso] consistently. Obviously it was disappointing, we thought he was going to be back but he didn't. We'll keep asking the question and, hopefully, some sort of common sense will prevail, and he gets on a plane and gets back here."

On the specifics of club representatives in Argentina weeks prior...

"No. As I said, this is not the first time. We've been continually trying to work this out for everybody, and we'll continue to do that."

On Kervin Arriaga's injury status...

"Hamstring. He tweaked his hamstring in Detroit and with everything that's coming up, the games that we're going to have through the summer, hamstrings are not really something you can gamble with. We don't need to gamble with it at this stage."

On the delicacy of strikers finding goals...

"It is what it is. We've got to keep showing faith in the players. As I said to the players before, I can't give them any more confidence than keep picking them and giving them that opportunity. I know, having been through it myself as a striker, the last thing you need is to keep thinking about it. You've just got to get yourself in the right spots, keep continually to do things that you know have made you score goals in the past. I think that if Lu [Luis Amarilla] and the attacking people keep getting in the right spots, goals will come."

On seeing the lack of scoring as a confidence issue...

"A little bit. Yeah, I think so. The longer that goes, the more the pressure builds and a bit more anxiety and then you start to overthink it instead of just being free and doing what you've always done. That's easier said than done but that's what they've got to do; keep continually getting in the right spots. Like Bongi's [Bongkuhle Hlongwane] had two unbelievable chances this evening and hasn't hit the target."

On the two big calls of the match...

"From where we are, I can't really see whether Sang Bin's [Jeong] caught him at all. Now, if you ask, you're running the risk. They showed a replay of the Mender [Garcia] thing and it looks like he's pulled his shirt, but Mr. [Allen] Chapman decided not to have a look."

DEFENDER MICHAEL BOXALL

On the defense against the FC Dallas attack...

"I'm not sure. I think he [Jesus Ferreira] had a quiet game. Seemed a little bit disinterested. I think that's in part [due] to our shape and how we were able to pressure anytime they were trying to get the ball to their frontmen. Obviously, they had a lot of joy through their six, but as soon as they got into our final third I thought everyone across the back four. The midfield worked hard to limit their time on the ball in those areas."

On making Allianz Field a fortress again...

"Usually at the beginning of the season I look at the Western Conference teams that we play against, you wanna take at least four points from those games. Looking at it that way it's not too bad, but I think it feels like two points dropped. Obviously, Dayne [Dayne St. Clair] didn't have a whole lot to do in goal. We're still creating chances, but not enough quality chances and not able to beat the keeper, so that's something we're going to have to keep working on. The difference between outside of the first five, the performances are pretty similar, but we're scrapping to get one good chance. Like against St. Louis or Dallas the first time, we were able to finish one chance and we take all the points. I think these last couple of games we haven't been able to do that."

On passing better as a team...

"I think the time together. Obviously, when you get Sang Bin [Jeong] coming in and he's still getting used to the team. The passing was a little better, but I think we still take four-five touches when we could take two or three just to get more fluidity and move up the field a bit quicker. Instead of allowing Dallas a bit more time to sit up and then you're trying to break down eight-nine guys. Instead of going a little bit quicker. We're still improving and we still got a long ways to go I think. Everyone worked hard, it's not just the back four and Dayne [St. Clair], but it's about 11 guys working hard to get that clean sheet."

On supporting teammates on the goal scoring drought...

"As a back four, whether we're scoring goals or not, our objective is to keep them out of our net. I think we just need to keep maintaining that focus and if you can, try and help them out as much as possible. If we can pick up something from a set piece or help out pushing forward, keep them unsettled when trying to play out, win the ball back early, it helps our guys. Their milage is up there, so if we can help with that so that they do have the energy for the full 90 to keep trying to be creative and get that goal."

On stopping the pressure in the second half...

"I think it was just the positioning. I think as long as we keep everyone together. But, in knowing that we can't come out of the halftime and not have some intensity to shut them down in the final third, but also to look after the ball and push the momentum back our way. That's obviously something that has happened in a few games that we need to come out with a bit more fire at halftime."

On if it's disappointing not getting the three points after a good defensive game...

"I think I can sleep easy knowing that I did my job. I know my team. They're working hard. Everyone's giving their all to try and win three points to get our fans singing after the game. It's just not clicking just yet. So we'll keep working. I think after the last two-three results to not concede and at least get something out of the game is a positive, but as I've said before, it still feels like we should've been winning this one tonight."

MIDFIELDER ROBIN LOD

On playing in a consistent position the past few weeks...

"It's been nice. I really enjoy playing on the right side. But, I don't really mind what side, I would say. I play where the coach wants me."

On the difference of how the team plays depending on his positioning...

"I don't know. It's a tough question. As a midfieldfielder, you can maybe get more involved in the game and get more touches."

On getting Sang Bin Jeong more involved...

"It takes time for sure. He's getting there. I think he shows potential and the small things we can do better in the final third and we start to score some goals."

On his dynamic run in the second half and near goal...

"It's just something I just try to make a difference and score and this time it didn't work."

On how you remain positive with lack of scoring...

"The good thing is that we are defending well and I don't think the opponent had many good chance. It's something we need to build up and we just need to focus on the final third. We had these [scoring] issues before and sometimes it clicks and sometimes not. I'm hoping that we will get the goals. The good thing is that we are getting chances. Now we just need to finish those chances."

On the missing final touch being more of a mental or physical hurdle...

"I'd say it's more mental. I know these guys can sore, and I know I can score. It's just now to believe in yourself and be more confident when we have the chances."

On not having a win at home so far and how to turn it around...

"First of all I feel bad for the fans. We are almost into May and we have yet to hear "Wonderwall", so I'm sorry about that for the fans. We need to build up mentally that this stadium is where we win games. Be even more aggressive, but I think that will come."

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 30, 2023


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