MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs Nashville SC Preview

Published on March 4, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - In their 2022 season opener, the Loons both scored and secured one point with a 1-1 draw against Philadelphia Union. MNUFC got on the scoresheet first with a goal from Robin Lod in the 23rd minute, but Cory Burke from the Union soon responded with an equalizer 12 minutes later. Both teams had many opportunities, but the game ended with both teams walking away with a single point. Up next, MNUFC will be facing Nashville SC at Allianz Field for their home opener. In their season opener, Nashville SC was able to secure a 1-0 win against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. By taking down one of the Western Conference's powerhouses in their own home to start off the season, Nashville SC has certainly set a tone in their first game as a member of the Western Conference. With Nashville hot off an impressive win and current weather reports predicting a cold home opener, the Loons will need to make an immediate statement and put it all out on the field to secure their first win of the season.

ADRIAN HEATH ON NASHVILLE'S GAME AGAINST SEATTLE ON OPENING DAY

"I think they had 19 draws last year and that tells you a lot about them. They don't give a lot away. They don't beat themselves. Really well organized, Gary [Smith] has done a great job with them. We know we're going to have play really well this weekend to get a result. They don't beat themselves very often and that's a good trait to have. Especially on the road, they have a really good defensive unit, good defensive shape and then they've got the likes of [Hany] Mukhtar and [Randall] Leal who can catch you on the break and got good pace, smart players, take up good positions on the counter-attack. You're going to have to be fully concentrated on both ends of the field. I know Gary will be more than aware that if we play as well as we can, we cause teams an awful lot of problems at home."

TYLER MILLER ON BEING BACK AT ALLIANZ FIELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2022

"Everybody is. Our fans were a major part of our season last year. They were a key influential factor and the reason we were so good at home. We're all looking forward to getting out there in some proper Minnesota weather."

THE OPPOSITION

Newcomers Nashville SC have proven time and time again that you don't need a long history to have a legacy. In their first two seasons in the MLS, they successfully made it to the playoffs twice, tied the record for fewest losses in a season and set the record for longest unbeaten streak at home. Their tough mentality clearly has not wavered in the offseason because they started their 2022 season by taking down the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Nashville may only be in their third MLS season, but they have already made a name for themselves and seem to have maintained their confidence despite their transition to a new conference. As you would expect, the history between the Loons and the Boys in Gold is short. The two have only met once, and the score ended in a 0-0 draw down in Tennessee back in 2020. This time around, MNUFC and Nashville will be facing off at Allianz Field in an early March match that currently has a classically cold and snowy Minnesota forecast. To maintain the momentum they gained down in Philadelphia and earn their first three points of the season, the Loons will need to lean into their home-field advantage and put the visiting team on their heels.

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

LOD-BEARING CAPACITY: Minnesota received one MLS Team of the Week nod after Week 1, thanks to goalscorer Robin Lod. The numbers bear this out, and it wasn't just about the goal. Lod led (say that quickly five times and you'll play better in your next pick-up game) the team in xG+xA thanks both to his scored goal and his golden pass in stoppage time to Adrien Hunou - Minnesota's biggest chance of the entire game by xG. He also led the team in shots, total attacking assists and tackles completed. A locked-in Lod is a great sign for the Loons offense, who you might say could have a lighter load to carry.

FIRST TOUCHES

Old friend Eric Miller played for Minnesota in 2018 and 2019, and is originally from Woodbury, MN. He and Brent Kallman played at both Woodbury and Creighton University together, though Miller is a couple of years younger. To go even further, Miller is married to Kallman's sister, so they're literally related.

Tyler Miller and Walker Zimmerman were cornerstones of LAFC's first two MLS seasons, and both departed after the 2019 season for their current teams

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

K. Arriaga - Thorax

P. Weah - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

A. Danladi - Thigh

C. Gasper - Head

J. Hayes - Thigh

R. Metanire - Thigh

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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