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Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Preview

October 8, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Major League Soccer's regular season comes to an end on Sunday as Minnesota United hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps for a critical 'Decision Day' match at Allianz Field. MNUFC enters Sunday afternoon's contest having dropped its final road game at San Jose last week by a 2-0 score line. But the focus is entirely on Vancouver as both teams have everything to play for: The Loons can clinch a playoffs berth with a win or draw against the Whitecaps. Should other results play in Minnesota's favor, it is not fully out of the picture to host a home playoffs game at Allianz Field. Vancouver needs to defeat Minnesota on Sunday to clinch, but the Canadian club has only won twice on the road this season. 'Decision Day' is set to bring together a high-energy atmosphere and a high-stakes intensity to determine the postseason fate for both the Loons and the Whitecaps.

ADRIAN HEATH ON GETTING THE GROUP READY FOR SUNDAY

"Psychologically, there's not an awful lot you can do other than try to accentuate all the positives that have gone on. As I've said to you, in the spell of results that we've had, there's been two or three really good performances in there. We need another one of them and are capable. Vancouver are coming in. We know they've got to have to win the game so that changes the complex of the game a little bit. All to play for. I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure the players will too."

DEFENDER MICHAEL BOXALL THE POTENTIAL ATMOSPHERE ON SUNDAY

"It has to. We need a massive response. We know the one thing that's been the most consistent about this season is our crowd at home always providing so much energy and a great place to play. So, we need to reward them with a massive performance. I think defensively, we need to be a bit more disciplined, and with the ball make sure we have the right attacking intensity for the full game.

MIDFIELDER WIP TRAPP ON SCORING THE FIRST GOAL

"It has to be [vital]. Playing this game, which is essentially a playoff game, and then into the playoffs, it's the same thing. We score the first goal in the playoffs, teams get nervous, they start over-extending themselves and then the game opens up and for us, that's great. But, that only comes from us creating the chances but then finishing off the chances. That's not easy to do it, it's easy to say it. We have enough quality to do so."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

ALL THE MARBLES: This game has the air of a mini-playoff game of its own, due to its impact on the standings. For Minnesota, it's simple enough. Win or draw, and they are in the playoffs. A win would put them on 48 points and guarantee that they finished above at least Vancouver and Real Salt Lake. A draw would give them 46 and ensure that they finish above Vancouver and either the loser of Portland-Salt Lake, or above Salt Lake in case of a draw in that match. A Vancouver win would eliminate Minnesota regardless of what happens elsewhere, as the Whitecaps would replace the Loons in the playoffs. That said, if Minnesota does secure a victory, there could be even more optimism. A win paired with losses or draws by Portland, Nashville (@ LAFC) and LA Galaxy (@ Houston) would see the Loons rise all the way up to fourth and ensure that Allianz Field hosts a playoff game. There are many possibilities for Minnesota still, but each and every positive possibility requires a point or more.

OPPONENT BREAKDOWN: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS

Vancouver was in a much different position just a few short weeks ago. Spotty success kept the Whitecaps in the middle of the pack, but any playoff dreams seemed out of reach. More specifically, the team has not found much success on the road, winning only two of their 16 away matches - which bodes well for a hosting Minnesota. However, Vancouver has found a spark these last few games, collecting nine out of nine possible points in their last three matches, and beating second-ranked Austin FC 2-0 in the process. The momentum has picked up for the team, who went from dismal playoff hopes to its front gates in a matter of three weeks. Apart from that, designated players Ryan Gauld and Lucas Cavallini have been very strong offensively, and will certainly need to be dealt with if MNUFC wants to keep the Whitecaps scoreless.

MATCH NOTES:

Minnesota United's match notes can be downloaded HERE.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

K. Arriaga - Suspended (yellow card accumulation)

B. Dibassy - Thigh (out for the season)

H. Dotson - Knee (out for the season)

J. Hayes - Lower Leg (out for the season)

B. Hlongwane - Knee

P. Weah - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

N/A

MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS

ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MMINNESOTA

10.09.22 | MLS Regular Season | Week 34

4:00 p.m. CT (BSN, The CW Twin Cities; Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2022 Record

MIN: 13-14-6 (7-4-5 at home)

VAN: 12-14-7 (2-10-4 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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