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MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. D.C. United Preview

July 15, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - The Nicest Rivalry proved nice enough for MNUFC and SKC on Wednesday night, as both squads battled it out until the last whistle, but ultimately ended the game in a 1-1 draw. The Loons will be back in action with a Saturday matchup against D.C. United. The Black-and-Red have struggled mightily, securing only five wins in their first 18 games, which as them at the bottom of the league. Hope may be on the horizon though with the team's recent signing of Premiere League icon and former D.C. United player, Wayne Rooney to take over as the squad's new head coach. Up until now, the clubs have only met four times with the results evenly split at two wins a piece. Minnesota needs to make the most of their home field advantage and rest up in a hurry to ensure Saturday's game results in three points instead of one.

ADRIAN HEATH ON TAXIARCHIS FOUNTAS

"Obviously he's come in and hit the ground running. I think he's had a brace in four games. Obviously he's coming in in form. You look at his goal the other night, really good movement in the box, pulls off the back shoulder then necks in front of the defender at the last minute and it's a good finish. He'll be playing with a lot of confidence and when you're playing against strikers who are in that sort of form they think anything is possible. We have to be fully concentrated. I always use that word because good strikers wait for that moment when you lose a little bit of concentration and then they strike. We're aware of him. The new manager [Wayne Rooney] coming in will give them a bounce, I would expect. They've changed the shape, they've changed the manager. I think it's a little bit of a different D.C. than it might have been a couple of weeks ago."

DJ TAYLOR ON THE HIRE OF WAYNE ROONEY FOR D.C.

"I think they could be trying to make a psychological lift against us. But we're at home. For us, it doesn't matter who comes here. I think the biggest thing to worry with them is their player [Taxiarchis] Fountas and just being aware of him. Other than that, it's about us just setting our standard and making sure we kill that psychological lift."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

WALK THE LINE: Minnesota's goal in Wednesday evening's game was created by a beautiful Kemar Lawrence cross and a little bit of fortune, as Andreu Fontàs' attempted clearance hit the back of his own goalkeeper and rolled into the Kansas City net. In the game's second half, they had what appeared to be a beautiful team goal finished by Luis Amarilla, but the goal was called back due to an offside call on Franco Fragapane in the buildup. In fact, this was a recurring issue for the Minnesota attack on Wednesday night. The Loons had their lowest attacking output by xG in their last eight matches, and this was at least partially due to offside calls. Minnesota was called for offside no fewer than eight times on Wednesday, twice as many as their previous season high of four against the LA Galaxy. This was more offside calls than the Loons had been whistled for in any previous two MLS games this season combined. It was an unusual issue for the Loons, and one that they will surely look to adjust on Saturday.

FIRST TOUCHES

Andy Najar and Kervin Arriaga played together for the Honduran national team in the most recent World Cup qualifying cycle.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

K. Arriaga - Ankle

H. Dotson - Knee (out for the season)

N. Hansen - Thigh

R. Metanire - Thigh

T. Oluwaseyi - Thigh

P. Weah - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

N/A

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