MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Preview

Published on April 22, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - It was a rainy Wednesday in Madison, but the Loons pushed through the elements and came out on top in the Battle of the Birds with goals from Adrien Hunou and Brent Kallman The 2-0 victory pushed the Loons into the next round of the U.S. Open Cup. MNUFC will be back this Saturday, where the weather looks like it could dose the Chicago Fire. Currently, Minnesota and Chicago have both displayed strong defensive sides, however, the Loons have the edge up top having scored eight goals in seven MLS games this season while the Fire have only scored five in just as many league games. While there's no doubt it will be a tightly contested match, with the Wonderwall's willingness to cheer on the Loons no matter the weather, Minnesota has a good opportunity to end Saturday's game in song.

ADRIAN HEATH ON ON THE CHANGES TO THE LINEUP FROM SATURDAY'S GAME TO TONIGHT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE GROUP

"I thought we were excellent all evening. Matt's [Glaeser] got a really good little group here. They're well-organized, they're highly motivated and we knew it was going to be tough. But we set us ourselves up nice and early, we kept playing the ball wide, stretching them as much as we could. I don't Tyler [Miler] had a save to make all evening. Against a highly motivated, well-organized team, I think it was very professional and disciplined performance from our guys, in really difficult conditions."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

PIECED TOGETHER: If there's a recipe that Minnesota could try to use to break through the Chicago defense, it's their new-found success on set pieces. Between Sunday against Colorado and the midweek U.S. Open Cup clash with Forward Madison, Minnesota found three different goals from corner kicks, and could very well have had more than that. After the Colorado game, coach Adrian Heath said, "Tonight we looked very dangerous on our set pieces for the first time in a few weeks." Whether struck from the foot of Emanuel Reynoso or Joseph Rosales, the corner kicks have been dangerous and the headers have been on target over the last couple matches. Thus far this season, Minnesota hasn't been exceptional at drawing free kicks or corner kicks, but it might be worth seeking those opportunities out more actively.

FIRST TOUCHES

Both teams can credit outstanding goalkeeping for part of their defensive success. Dayne St. Clair and Gaga Slonina have the two highest save percentages in the league and are the only two goalkeepers in the league above 85% in that category.

MATCH NOTES:

Minnesota United's match notes can be downloaded HERE.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

R. Metanire - Thigh

P. Weah - Knee (out for the season)

QUESTIONABLE:

N/A

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 22, 2022


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