MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC Preview

Published on August 26, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United will host Seattle Sounders FC at Allianz Field on Sunday, looking to earn its second-ever victory against the Washington squad. In its history, MNUFC has only beat Seattle once, winning 2-1 in Saint Paul just last season. The Loons fell to the Sounders 0-1 earlier this season, playing almost 80 minutes without score. This time around, Minnesota United has decisive players in its squad, the likes of Emanuel Reynoso and Teemu Pukki, who were not present for the first match. On the back of a 0-2 loss against Atlanta United, Seattle will be determined to take all three points from Matchday 28 while Minnesota brings momentum from its 2-0 win over NYCFC.

HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH ON RETURNING TO THE REGULAR SEASON WITH A SHUTOUT VICTORY...

"I did say to the players: Take away the last half an hour playing with 10 men in Nashville, I thought the Leagues Cup was a big success for us. We had some big nights, some big moments. We showed a real ability to play through adversity. We played three games down to 10 men. I said to the guys, 'we've got to take some optimism from that and take that momentum into the last 12 games, as it was.' So, the go away to New York [City FC], we needed the victory. They've got a really strong squad, they spent a lot of money on that group so to get our sixth win on the road to equal Orlando [City SC] and [Real] Salt Lake - we've got the record with that - so that's pleasing. It was a big win, we can't deny that. We've got a big game now ahead of us this weekend."

MIDFIELDER WIL TRAPP ON GETTING POSITIVE RESULTS IN THE UPCOMING WEEKS TO QUALIFY FOR THE PLAYOFFS...

"It's taking the games one at a time, like we did in New York. This was a great result for us, away from home, to pick up three points and move up the table a little bit, especially with one or two games in hand on the teams ahead of us. Understanding that it doesn't get any easier just because you win, but games at home will be important for us."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is happy to see Major League Soccer action return to Allianz Field for the first time in over a month, though admittedly not thrilled about the opponent. The Sounders may not be heading to the Twin Cities in great form, but history doesn't seem to think that matters very much in this matchup.

The boys from Emerald City have proven to be enigmatic foes for Minnesota United since they joined the league, with the Loons accruing a 1-1-11 all-time record against the Rave Green. They've had our number more often than not, but fate may be on our side this time around. When the match begins this weekend, Seattle will be nursing some lingering injuries, a theme that has dominated their 2023 season thus far.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

K. Arriaga - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

B. Hlongwane - Knee

SEASON-ENDING INJURY LIST:

R. Jiba - Knee

R. Lod - Knee

MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

ALLIANZ FILED | SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

08.27.23 | MLS Regular Season | Matchday 28

3:30 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; FOX; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 MLS Record

MIN: 8-8-7 (2-2-6 at home)

SEA: 10-9-6 (4-5-2 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from August 26, 2023


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