MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs Real Salt Lake Preview

Published on June 23, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- The Loons are headed West for a road match against Real Salt Lake, looking to earn three points over the Utah side after a 1-1 draw earlier this season. Both sides will have key absences for the match on Saturday night due to international duty and participation in the 2023 Gold Cup tournament. Earlier this season, when the Loons were missing seven of their usual 11 starters, they were able to secure a 1-1 draw at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Now, a victory is more crucial than ever as the club currently sits in 12th place in the Western Conference and hasn't won a game in four weeks. Perhaps international duty is all the motivation MNUFC needs to get a result over Salt Lake.

ADRIAN HEATH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON NOW ARRIVING WITH MORE HOME MATCHES...

"We have to do better than we've done in the first half of the season. I think the most important thing for us is to get back making Allianz [Field] the fortress that it's been since the stadium has been open. I think we've left maybe six points out there with the opportunities that we created in the home games. When I consider the Vancouver [Whitecaps] game in the 98th minute and Orlando [City SC] in the 94th minute, you know, you can go on and on. But certainly, the second half of the season, our home form has to be better. And if we can marry with that with what we've done on the road, then we'll put ourselves in a good spot."

CLINT IRWIN ON THE FOCUS DURING AN OFF WEEK TO GAIN MOMENTUM HEADING INTO A GAME WEEK...

"Certainly we've got a few guys away with their [national] teams in Gold Cup and different friendlies and stuff like that. So, for the guys who are here, it's just getting a little bit sharper, making sure that we're improving in the right areas. We obviously are coming off a result where guys are hungry to get back out there and show we can put something better out there. It's been good for us. I think guys are ready to get back into the games and the regular-season rhythm. So, we're looking forward to this weekend."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is feeling well-rested and eager to get back to business as usual this weekend against Real Salt Lake. With just three points currently separating RSL from the Loons, Saturday's match will give the Black and Blue a chance to leapfrog their Western Conference foes with a win.

Even without their new signing Chicho Arango on the pitch, a win is never easy to come by when visiting the Beehive State. With a consistently solid squad and a league legend pulling the strings, the Claret and Cobalt play with grit and pride. Manager Pablo Mastroeni is a big part of that mentality, and he learned all about what it takes to compete during one of Major League Soccer's most impressive careers.

Mastroeni joined the league in 1998, when the original Miami MLS team-the Miami Fusion-drafted him 13th overall in the SuperDraft. He stuck around the Magic City for four seasons, making 100 appearances as both a center back and a defensive midfielder for the Fusion and staking his claim as one of the league's best ball-winners.

INJURY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

R. Jiba - Knee

R. Lod - Knee

M. Marques - Shoulder

QUESTIONABLE:

F. Fragapane - Thigh

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:

J. Rosales - International Duty

D. St. Clair - International Duty

MINNESOTA UNITED FC @ REAL SALT LAKE

AMERICA FIRST FIELD | SANDY, UTAH

06.24.23 | MLS Regular Season | Matchday 21

8:30 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 Record

MIN: 5-7-5 (4-6-0 on the road)

RSL: 7-7-5 (2-4-3 at home)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 23, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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