MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake Preview

May 26, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Minnesota United returns to MLS play this Saturday as they face off against is Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field. The Loons got their first MLS home victory last week against the Houston Dynamo and are coming off a thrilling 1-0 stoppage-time road win in Portland, thus riding a two-game win streak in MLS play. They will look to carry over that momentum Saturday against a Real Salt Lake team that has only lost twice in its last seven MLS games. Last season, the series was split evenly. In July, MNUFC beat Real Salt Lake 3-2 at home, featuring goals from Emanuel Reynoso and Luis Amarilla. A month later, when the Loons made the trip to Utah, they were shutout 3-0. This season, Minnesota has a leg up on the Utah side: MNUFC sits sixth in the West and RSL in 11th. Although RSL has scored one more goal than the Loons, the Utah side has conceded more. The Loons' defense has been strong recently in MLS competitions, having shutout its last two opponents. Minnesota United will look to treat the home fans to a second straight 'Wonderwall' and a third straight MLS result Saturday.

Media Availability to download:

- Head Coach Adrian Heath

- Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair

ADRIAN HEATH ON APPROACHING THE MATCH AGAINST REAL SALT LAKE ON SATURDAY...

"We have to play well. We have to do what we're good at, do it better than we've been doing, consistently. I do feel, the last two weeks, there's been a marked improvement in the way that we move the ball, the way that we've switched the ball from side to side, the way we've penetrated- we need to do all of that again. And I think if we do, we give ourselves a chance, but I know that they're going to come in here and they're going to be really well disciplined, as they always do. They always hang around- as I said earlier, it's like having a toothache... it doesn't go away. They just stay there and if you don't take them opportunities when they come, they have enough talent to make you pay for that."

DAYNE ST. CLAIR ON HAVING ONLY CONCEDED THREE GOALS ON THE ROAD...

"It's been no secret that we haven't had the best home record, but we know the support with our fans in our stadium that we can turn that around, and I think we've done a good job on the road but it's about starting to capitalize on those home games. There's a big one coming up on Saturday that we're going to be looking to get three points and continue the streak in the league."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is back and, fortunately, undergoing a short bout of amnesia...specifically, the last thing I can remember is anything from Tuesday evening around 7 p.m. until, well, now. Fortunately, there are other matchups on the horizon this weekend. So, rather than dwell on the past and dig into lost memories from Tuesday night, we'll refocus on Saturday night's game at Allianz Field, where the Loons will face the pride of Utah, Real Salt Lake.

Utah's finest have typically been known to stick to a 4-4-2 lineup. With two strikers manning the front end of the RSL attack, there's no doubt that the Loons defensive back line will need to have their heads on a swivel from start to finish against RSL. Not only that, but more than usual, the Loons midfield will have to take up part of the responsibility that comes with dropping to the back third to add some protection to keeper Dayne St Clair. The biggest question regarding the whole idea of dropping back to play help? Who will be available to help the concerted effort to keep RSL off their game and off-kilter on the attack?

INJURY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

Dibassy- thigh

Jiba- knee

Lod- knee

QUESTIONABLE:

Marques - ankle

MINNESOTA UNITED vs REAL SALT LAKE

ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MN

5.27.23 | MLS Regular Season | MLS Matchday 15

7:30 P.M. (Apple TV MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 Record

MIN: 5-5-3 (1-1-3 at home)

RSL: 4-6-3 (2-3-1 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from May 26, 2023


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.

OurSports Central