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MLS Minnesota United FC

MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS Preview

July 7, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS

BC PLACE | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

07.08.22 | MLS Regular Season | Week 19

9:30 p.m. CT (BSN, CW Twin Cities; Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2022 Record

MIN: 7-8-3 (3-5-1 on the road)

VAN: 7-8-3 (5-1-3 at home)

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - The Loons secured three points with a 3-2 win Sunday night over Real Salt Lake, an identical result to last Wednesday night's win over LA Galaxy of 3-2. Next up, the Loons will be headed over the border for their Week 19 matchup. Currently, the Loons and the Whitecaps are stuck in a stalemate with a record of 3-3-3 all-time and both securing a record 7-8-3 so far this season. Minnesota has a slight advantage due to goal differential, but the Whitecaps are a team to watch out for. In their most recent game on Saturday, Vancouver took down LAFC, the top team in the Western Conference. In order to create some separation and continue their winning ways, the Loons will need to dig deep and secure another road win on Friday.

Training Assets available to download:

Head Coach Adrian Heath

Midfielder Robin Lod

ADRIAN HEATH ON THE IMPORTANT OF TWO CONSECTIVE WINS

"No matter what I tell the players, there's nothing like actually winning games of football to give players confidence, especially the way we played as well. I think some of our attacking play in the first half was outstanding on Saturday against Salt Lake, and certainly in the first half against the Galaxy. So, more of the same. I was so pleased to get the result because I knew how tired the guys would be with the amount of travel and the games on the road that we've had. The last two games have been excellent and we have to keep going because the next three or four weeks are a little bit tough with all the games, but we have got some games coming up at home. If we do well, then we can give ourselves a real opportunity forcing our way back in that playoff picture."

MIDFIELDER ROBIN LOD ON THE SQUAD SCORING SIX GOALS OVER THE LAST TWO MATCHES

"It's always great to score the goals and I think the fans love it the most in the game. It's been nice and it's great to see that now it clicks. It's good for the guys to get confidence out of the goals." [FULL QUOTE SHEET]

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

HOTTER THAN THE SUN: If you've done no more than check the box scores to Minnesota's last two games, a couple of things probably stood out to you. First, there have been a lot of goals, ten total across the two games. Second, there has been a whole lot of Emanuel Reynoso on those box scores. Reynoso came into last week's game against the LA Galaxy with three goals on the season, two of which came from the penalty spot. His only open play goal of the season came in the Loons' 3-0 win over Chicago in April. After arguably the best week of his career, and inarguably the best scoring week of his career, Reynoso has ascended to a new level. For context, Reynoso's five goals in the 2021 MLS season were the most he's scored in any league regular season. In five seasons in the Argentinian top flight, he scored just four total goals. In other words, Rey nearly matched both of those career outputs in two magnificent games. It would be thoroughly surprising if he were to keep this up given the wealth of data from the rest of his career, but here's the key: Minnesota is 3-0 this season when Reynoso scores from open play. When he plays like this, the Loons are a different beast. [READ MORE]

OPPONENT BREAKDOWN

Identical records of 7-8-3 put Minnesota United and Vancouver at 8th and 9th in the league respectively, separated only by goal differential. Both teams are fighting to get into playoff position, and both are finding their form. Minnesota's current streak is just two games old, but those two games have seen some impressive offensive displays from the Loons. Likewise, Vancouver's leaky defense and stagnant attack have reversed their fortunes in recent times, transforming them into a completely different team. With these two squads trending upwards, this matchup looks set to be a lively one. [READ MORE].

FIRST TOUCHES

Dayne St. Clair plays on the Canada National Men's Team alongside several Vancouver Whitecaps players, including defender Cristian Gutierrez and forward Lucas Cavallini. [READ MORE]

MATCH NOTES:

Minnesota United's match notes can be downloaded HERE.

POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE:

Media can access HERE; password is MNUFCPress. We recommend logging on shortly after the final whistle.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

K. Arriaga - Ankle

H. Dotson - Knee (out for the season)

N. Hansen - Thigh

R. Metanire - Thigh

N. Kibunguchy - Illness

J. Rosales - Illness

P. Weah - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

N/A

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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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