MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC at Orlando City SC Preview

Published on March 8, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United heads down to the Sunshine State to take on Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium this weekend and enters the match with momentum coming off a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew, secured by a thrilling last-minute goal from Tani Oluwaseyi during last week's Home Opener at Allianz Field.

Minnesota has started the season strong with a 2-1 victory on the road against Austin FC and 1-1 draw during the home opener against Columbus Crew, where the Loons' high press has rewarded them with chances to capitalize on goal, ultimately earning four points after those two matches.

Orlando City SC has not seen the results they had hoped for to start the 2024 campaign. Orlando enter this regular-season contest following a 5-0 loss against Inter Miami CF last weekend followed by a midweek scoreless draw against UNAL Tigres in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The Lions are searching for a win after struggling to gain momentum following a difficult loss and a hard-fought draw within just one week.

MNUFC seeks to earn a second-straight road result and continue its high-press success but will likely be met with a hungry Lions' squad in need of a positive outcome. Can Minnesota's pressure build on top of Orlando, or will the Florida side stop its skid and hold firm at home?

INTERIM HEAD COACH CAMERON KNOWLES ON HOW PLAYERS STEPPED UP TO DELIVER ON POSITIVE RESULTS...

"We said it before the game, it just has to be this 'next man up' mentality. So we have a squad of players that we've got to trust them to play, to bring life into the game when they come into it and to certainly bring quality. We've seen goal contributions from the bench in both games and that's huge for us, and huge for the mentality of those guys. Even though minutes-wise they might not all be that big, the moments that they're going to have in the game that are going to be massive."

INTERIM HEAD COACH CAMERON KNOWLES ON APPROACHING THE GAME AT ORLANDO CITY SC...

"For us, we've got to continue to work on what we need to from our performances

and obviously look at them but they've [Orlando SC] got a busy schedule too. They've got a midweek game followed by one after us, so it's challenging to kind of predict what lineup they'll put out. So, the focus becomes on how well we can defend and how well we can execute in the attacking half."

MIDFIELDER WIL TRAPP ON PREPARING TO FACE A TOP EASTERN CONFERENCE OPPONENT...

"I don't think anything changes. The way we've prepared for the first two matches of the year is the same how we're going to prepare for these ones coming. Good opponents. Every game in MLS is difficult, so it's just keeping consistent in our standards and our way of being."

STORYLINES

MNUFC's plays its second Eastern Conference matchup in a row, this time against Orlando City. The Lions have started slow after an impressive 2023 saw them miss out on the Supporters' Shield by just six points, but between their existing core of attackers and a few new faces in the lions' den, they've got more than enough firepower to turn things around.

Returning stars Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire contributed a combined 27 goals and seven assists in 2023. Those guys are just 23 years old, and they're only going to get better. Add Nico Lodeiro into the mix at the number 10 spot, and you're cooking something seriously dangerous for opposing defenses. At least on paper.

PLAYER STATUS REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

F. Fragapane - Thigh

E. Reynoso - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

None

MINNESOTA UNITED FC @ ORLANDO CITY SC

Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando, Florida

03.09.2024 | MLS Regular Season | Match 3

6:30 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2024 MLS Record

MIN: 1-0-1 (1-0-0 on the road; W-L-D)

ORL: 0-1-1 (0-0-1 at home; W-L-D)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 8, 2024


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