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MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United vs Portland Timbers Preview

May 19, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United looks to carry the momentum from the club's first home win in MLS to the Pacific Northwest as they face the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Saturday, May 19. The Loon faithful finally got to sing Wonderwall in a midweek match that saw Bongokuhle Hlongwane score his 5th goal of the season, good enough for a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. After securing just one point in the previous five matches, MNUFC now look to build some steam as they battle through a congested May schedule. The Timbers return home after a 0-0 draw to Real Salt Lake in their own midweek contest. Portland's form of late has been up-and-down, as they are 1-2-1 in their previous four games, including a 1-1-1 record at home. MNUFC have fared well at Providence Park in MLS regular season play

WIL TRAPP ON HOW THE TEAM CAN HALT PORTLAND'S MOMENTUM SATURDAY NIGHT...

"We know Portland well in the sense of their opportunism. They're a pragmatic group that, at home, can be a very difficult team to play against. They have game changers, guys in positions that can create chances out of nothing and I think some of the goals they've seen recently have come that way. It's understanding that they're a team that wants you to have the ball so that they can win it in transition. So, at times, it's not the worst thing in the world to go there and just be responsible defensively and allow them to create moments for us to attack them."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW:

Storylines is back and feeling like today is gonna be the day that we're gonna throw it back to...well, Portland, actually. Following a much-needed first win of the MLS season at Allianz Field over Houston, the boys in Black and Blue have to get the plane gassed up and get their tails to the majestic, pine-tree-covered natural beauty of Portland, Oregon, to face the Timbers. It's a tall order in terms of the travel aspect, but putting together consecutive wins for the week would be a jolt of optimism to coincide with the return of Emanuel Reynoso to the lineup in the near future. But, for the time being, the focus will be on building back up to the level of success that the Loons saw earlier this year. Now, with one-third of the season in the books, can the Loons overcome a Portland side that has been on the upswing themselves after starting the season slow out of the gates?

If the Loons plan on keeping Portland's efforts at bay, it has to start with the MNUFC back line putting the clamps on the Timbers' big money signing, Brazilian playmaker Evander. After a club-record transfer fee in the neighborhood of $10 million from Denmark's FC Midtjylland, the midfielder has begun to truly find his footing with his new club. The Timbers started out the season winning just one of their first seven contests, but have since circled the wagons by winning three of their last five games before settling for a 0-0 draw in the face of some severely inclement weather against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night.

INJURY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

D - B. Dibassy - Thigh

D - R. Jiba - Knee

D - M. Marques - Ankle

QUESTIONABLE:

None

MINNESOTA UNITED at PORTLAND TIMBERS

PROVIDENCE PARK | PORTLAND, OREGON

5.20.23 | MLS REGULAR SEASON | MLS MATCHDAY 14

9:30 P.M. (MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 Record

MIN: 4-5-3 (3-4-0 on the road)

POR: 4-5-4 (3-1-2 at home)

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 19, 2023


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