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MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers Preview

June 30, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United will face the Portland Timbers for the second time this season at Allianz Field on Saturday evening. In their last matchup in May, Minnesota took home all three points with a late goal by Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who scored in the waning minutes of the match. Now, both teams are battling to cross the threshold into the top 10 teams in the Western Conference. A win is imperative for Minnesota United, who has not earned a victory since the match at Portland. After defeating FC Kaiserslautern in an international friendly on Wednesday, the Loons have the momentum they need heading into the weekend to triumph the Oregon side.

ADRIAN HEATH ON APPROACHING MORE HOME GAMES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON...

"I've said this before: I think our performances have warranted a bigger point total than we've got. The one constant has been our home form hasn't been what it normally is. We have to change, and if we do, we give ourselves a really good opportunity of making it five playoffs on the trot. If we do, we'll be a problem because with the players that we're hoping to bring in - [Teemu] Pukki's coming in, can he get those goals? We have three games where we had 58 opportunities... that's incredible.

FORWARD CAMERON DUNBAR ON THE KEYS TO GETTING A SECOND WIN OVER PORTLAND ON SATURDAY...

"It'll be about keeping ourselves in the game, not giving the opponent easy opportunities. It comes from us. We want to be focused, we want to be ready as soon as the first whistle blows to go out and fight for 90-plus minutes. And, whether it be in our own box making plays or in the opposition's box making plays, we've got to make sure we don't take our foot off the gas at all. We have to keep going, have to keep pushing, have to keep fighting for opportunities. I think that's the biggest thing we need to go into in the weekend."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is buzzing with anticipation and, admittedly, a little nervous to host Portland at Allianz Field this weekend. Last time the Timbers came to town, the ensuing match produced an instant classic that took fans on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm not sure my heart can handle another game like that.

Right from the whistle, this game was bonkers. Portland turned their kickoff into one of the fastest goals in MLS history, with Sebastian Blanco finding the back of the net after just 14 seconds. 14 seconds! Not a great start for the Loons, but hope is never lost at Allianz Field.

Just before the ten-minute mark, maté-enthusiast Franco Fragapane headed home the equalizer from Emanuel Reynoso's corner kick, nullifying Portland's advantage and swinging momentum firmly back to the home side.

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

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from June 30, 2023


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