MLS Minnesota United FC

MNUFC Topples Sporting Kc 2-0 at TCF Bank Stadium

Published on May 7, 2017 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- In the week leading up to Sunday's match against Sporting KC, Minnesota United Head Coach Adrian Heath emphasized the need to get both the offense and the defense working in concert with each other. He couldn't have hoped for a better symphony than the one that took down the Western Conference leaders 2-0. Early goals from Abu Danladi and Christian Ramirez and staunch defending down the stretch made for a great coming out party on national TV for the much-improved Loons.

The early going found forward Christian Ramirez attacking aggressively. In the second minute, he fired a volley into the side of the net and four minutes later, he found himself with time down the right wing. He burned a low cross directly across the face of the goal but midfielder Abu Danladi - making his first MLS start - was a step behind and couldn't get a foot on it to finish.

Over the next 15 minutes, the two teams seemed evenly matched, with spates of solid possession by each side. Minnesota's possession in the middle third was often exemplary, although similarly to last week's match against San Jose, the final or penultimate ball was not there for them.

But in the 22^nd minute, midfielder Ibson dropped a backspinning ball ahead down the left wing for midfielder Miguel Ibarra. Ibarra ran onto it and struck a picture-perfect cross that found Danladi as he streaked into the box. Danladi's right foot volley found the back of the net, giving him his first MLS goal and giving the Loons a 1-0 lead.

"I'm probably out of words," said a jubilant Danladi. "Just trying to find the right word explain it. It was a good feeling just playing in front of the crowd. They put in a lot of work, they pay money to come watch the team perform. It was a great feeling scoring in front of the fans and also getting the win, too."

"It's a great landmark for the kid," said Heath. "I'm a huge believer in 'you get out what you put in' in football and in life generally. And he has worked so hard the last few weeks to really force my hand. He took everything on board that we asked of him because the way that we asked him to play - dropping off to that deep-lying midfield player when they got it - it's not normal for him, it's not natural. But he did it, he got on with it. It was a great finish by the way, great ball from Miguel and a lovely finish from him. Didn't blast it, he caressed it in the bottom corner. He's had a really good day and a fine start to his professional career."

In the immediate aftermath of the goal, Sporting KC regrouped and began to apply more consistent pressure while Minnesota dialed back their aggression a notch. But just as Sporting KC appeared to be gaining confidence and stringing together possession that would lead to a quality chance, MNUFC struck again.

In the 39^th minute, Danladi dug hard to the right before cutting a nifty pass back to Ibarra moving in behind him and down the left wing, once again. Ibarra centered it, a bit higher this time, and found Ramirez posted up on the right side of the six-yard box. Ramirez headed it in for his sixth goal on the season and a 2-0 lead for MNUFC.

SKC's desperation nearly paid off as the first half drew to a close. In stoppage time, forward Dom Dwyer knocked a ball ahead into the box that goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth had to stretch for but could not control. As the ball trickled toward the endline, forward Gerso Fernandes tried to catch up and keep it in, but his effort was in vain. The half ended with Minnesota up 2-0 in spite of Sporting KC's 62% possession.

Ten minutes into the second half and after making two impressive saves, Shuttleworth's nose had a close encounter with Dwyer's foot, resulting in a stoppage of several minutes as he was attended to. His backup, John Alvbage, started warming up on the sideline, but Shuttleworth stayed in. He finished the day with eight saves, a clean sheet and a broken nose.

"There was definitely talk about [coming out]," said Shuttleworth. "The trainer and I were talking about it and I just told him to jam some stuff up there and just get on with it."

"Well, he's a goalkeeper," said Heath. "They're nuts, most of 'em."

A few minutes later, Minnesota nearly pushed the lead to three when Molino got out ahead of the defense on a counterattack, passing the ball wide to Ramirez on the right wing and catching Ibarra just offside in the box as he centered it. That brief attack, though, came within an overall context of Minnesota sitting back and working to defend for most of the second half.

Sporting KC appeared less possession-oriented in the second, working more to get long balls ahead of the defense. They threatened several times but kept running into solid defense, particularly from center backs Francisco Calvo and Brent Kallman. The play got more physical as the match wore on, with a small scuffle breaking out in the 71^st minute between Calvo and Dwyer.

"I just tried to help him to get up," said Calvo. "It looked like I was going to kick him. I'm not that kind of guy. Then Espinoza came it in and it was kind of ... it was normal."

SKC's best chance in the second came after Shuttleworth knocked a shot away but couldn't clear it. With Shuttleworth on the ground, right back Jermaine Taylor (who came on for Jerome Thiesson in the 75^th minute) slid in front of goal and deflected a closer-range shot from Daniel Salloi.

Shuttleworth's injury led to eight minutes of stoppage time, but it wasn't enough to let Sporting KC catch back up to a Loons side that put points up early and then held the lead with strong defending. The 2-0 victory is the third in Minnesota's last six matches, rounded out by two draws and a loss. Their 11 points put them one spot out of the playoffs, currently.

"Probably the most complete 90 that we've had in terms of both sides of the ball," said Heath. "We spoke about it in the week: we've had games where we look as though we're a real threat going forward and then we've had days where we've been solid [on defense], but actually getting into both sides in one game, this is probably the best we've looked. I thought that we showed a real courage in believing what we were doing. I'm really pleased for the players. I'm really pleased for everybody connected with the club because you know, live on TV, we've had a couple of horror shows. It's nice to see that we are improving and we're probably a little bit more than just having a nice badge."

Their three-match homestand completed, Minnesota now heads out on the road to face Toronto FC on Saturday, May 13. Kickoff at BMO Field is set for 2:00 p.m. CT and you can catch the action on My29 and MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN with pre-match coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Lineups

Minnesota United FC Starting XI: GK GK Bobby Shuttleworth; D Marc Burch, Francisco Calvo, Brent Kallman, Jerome Thiesson (Jermaine Taylor 75'); M Sam Cronin, Ibson, Kevin Molino, Abu Danladi (Collen Warner 72'), Miguel Ibarra; F Christian Ramirez (Johan Venegas 84')

MIN Unused Subs: GK John Alvbage; D Justin Davis; M Ismaila Jome, Bashkim Kadrii

Sporting Kansas City Starting XI: GK Tim Melia; D Igor Juliao (Graham Zusi 46'), Kevin Ellis, Matt Besler, Seth Sinovic; M Benny Feilhaber, Ille Sanchez, Roger Espinoza; F Dominic Dwyer, Gerso Fernandes (Daniel Salloi 77'), Soony Saad (Jimmy Medranda 60')

SKC Unused Subs: GK Adrian Zendejas; D Ike Opara; M Latif Blessing, Soni Mustivar

Match Events

Scoring 11' - Danladi (Ibarra, Ibson) - MIN 39' - Ramirez (Ibarra, Danladi) - MIN

Discipline 17' - Juliao (YC) - SKC 51' - Ramirez (YC) - MIN 72' - Calvo (YC) - MIN 72' - Dwyer (YC) - SKC

Attendance 17,709

MNUFC HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH

On whether this is the combo of offense and defense he's wanted to see ... Probably the most complete 90 that we've had in terms of both sides of the ball. We spoke about it in the week: we've had game where we look as though we're a real threat going forward and then we've had days where we've been solid [on defense], but actually getting into both sides in one game, this is probably the best we've looked. I thought we always looked dangerous, but I thought our shape defensively was very, very good. And we had to be good because the way that we play is that they spread the field, they put you in bad spots defensively, but I thought that we kept our discipline, which was huge today. More importantly, I thought that we showed a real courage in believing what we were doing. I'm really pleased for the players. I'm really pleased for everybody connected with the club because you know, live on TV, we've had a couple of horror shows. It's nice to see that we are improving and we're probably a little bit more than just having a nice badge ... if ALexi's listening.

On what he saw in terms of Sporting KC today ... I thought they had a big game on Wednesday, because when the Red Bulls come, they're two of the better teams in the league. It was a big night. I wanted us to start quick, I wanted us to start further up the field, which we did. I thought the two -- Miggy and Kevin Molino's choice of when to go and and join in was very, very good. I thought that Abu worked hard and got his goal. I was delighted for the two frontmen because at times, when you're playing against three and you have to keep dropping on the deepline midfield players, it's not easy, but they did it really, really well.

On Bobby Shuttleworth's toughness ... Well, he's a goalkeeper. They're nuts, most of 'em. What did he have? Seven stitches a few weeks ago and today he looks like he's broke his nose. It's par for the course for them guys, unfortunately. They have times where nothing happens for them and then other days where they're having to dive in front of people and get kicked in the head and the face. It's a goalkeeper and as he said, that's what he's paid to do.

On the scuffle in the 71st minute ... I'll have to see it again, but I think the referee handled it really well. The referee's really good, by the way. I thought we could have had a penalty and they asked him and he said he couldn't see. I prefer that to just telling you to go away. I thought the referee was excellent today. It is what it is, but I didn't think it looked too bad.

On how this could build the rivalry between the two teams ... I thought there was a great atmosphere in the stadium today. I thought our supporters were magnificent, they gave a great account of themselves live on TV. I don't know if the rivalry will come out. It's more important that we took another step today and I think we showed a few people that we are getting better. You have to take us seriously. If you don't, we have too much talent not to hurt you. We've got a huge game next week against probably the in-form team in the league. It doesn't get any easier, it's back to the drawing board tomorrow. Can we come up with something else?

On Abu Danladi's first start ... It's a great landmark for the kid. It's his first MLS start, his first professional start. I'm a huge believer in 'you get out what you put in' in football and in life generally. And he has worked so hard the last few weeks to really force my hand. He took everything on board that we asked of him because the way that we asked him to play -- dropping off to that deep-lying midfield player when they got it -- it's not normal for him, it's not natural. But he did it, he got on with it. It was a great finish by the way, great ball from Miguel and a lovely finish from him. Didn't blast it, he caressed it in the bottom corner. He's had a really good day and a fine start to his professional career.

On Cyle Larin's start to his career and whether Abu can be that kind of player ... I think he can, but that's down to him. He needs to keep working hard. I only pick the team, players drop themselves. You don't leave people out of the team who are playing well. Never have done. He's worked hard and he'll keep his place. Now it's up to him to keep working hard Monday to Friday, listening, learning, and if he does he's got a bright future.

On Miguel Ibarra's performance today ... I think Miggy is starting to develop a little rhythm. I said this a few weeks ago when he came on and got the goal: the best of Miguel Ibarra is to come, for the simple reason that he's had 18 months of not playing regular. You don't just suddenly reach the heights that everybody expected. I think he's been better and better the last few weeks. I expect a lot more from him. He's got great energy levels and now he's starting to make things happen in the final third. Great ball for Christian's goal. He can be well pleased with his efforts today. He's getting a grasp of what we want from him. Before he's played a little bit of a different role than we're asking of him, but he's getting a real grasp of what we're looking for. He was very good today.

MNUFC FORWARD ABU DANLADI

On scoring first goal It was amazing, I really enjoyed it. I'm probably out of words. Just trying to find the right word explain it. It was a good feeling just playing in front of the crowd. Everybody came and the crowd deserved it. They put in a lot of work, they pay money to come watch the team perform. It was a great feeling scoring in front of the fans and also getting the win too.

On Miguel's assist He pretty much served it right on the plate for me. It's just being in the right place at the right time. Just always being in the box. Like coach says, most of the goals are scored in the 18 so just get there at the right time and try and put the ball in the back of the net and that's what I did.

On first start As I've always said, it's always about the team and it doesn't matter if I start or not. The coach knows the reason why. He makes the formation based off what he thinks is best for the team and he thought today that I deserve to start. I took the opportunity and tried to make the best out of it, also helping the team is always the first priority. If he brought me in and said, "Play centerback," I'd play centerback. I do what he tells me because he's my coach.

On partnering with Ramirez He's an incredible player. He's a good finisher and someone I look up to and learn a lot from and I talk to him. It's great to play off him as well. He's good at holding the ball and I'm good at running behind the defenders and it always works out pretty good. It's always a privilege to play on the same field as him. All the great players we have like Molino, Johan and all of these guys are great players. It's just an honor to be on the field with all these guys and learn as much as I can.

On what Cronin said as they walked off the pitch He said he's disappointed in my celebration (laughs). We talked about it and he's like, "you score you got to do a great celebration." And in the moment I was too excited and I just didn't know which one I should choose. I don't even remember what I did.

MNUFC GOALKEEPER BOBBY SHUTTLEWORTH

On how are you feeling Alright, I guess. No headaches or anything. I already had a big nose to begin with and now it's that much bigger.

On getting stitches your from last cut in Houston That was probably 4 or 5 days after the cut. Since I've been here [I've had] the cut over the eye and now the nose. I've never broken my nose before so quick procession here.

On whether or not he got any stitches No. It's just a little cut over the top.

On the possibility of coming out There was definitely talk about it. The trainer and I were talking about it and I just told him to jam some stuff up there and just get on with it.

On possibly silencing the myth of soft soccer players There's always going to be talk about it because there are guys playing for the dive. I think if you look at today there was a lot of hard tackles going in, Calvo getting hammered and guys get on with it and carry on. MNUFC MIDFIELDER SAM CRONIN

On the skirmish with Dom Dwyer He came in aggressive on me, and I didn't appreciate the way he came in, so I tried to stand up for myself. Um, he fought on the ground and there was a big scuffle. I mean, its part of the game. It's fine.

On getting the result today Yeah, it's great. We didn't play particularly well with the ball, but we defended great. So, I think we're just evolving as a team. There were times previously in the year where we played great and then we'd lose. You know, we'd give up goals and stuff. I think we're growing as a group, and we need to do better with the ball, but um, defensively, a lot of things we've been working on in training are coming together, so it's good.

MNUFC DEFENDER FRANCISCO CALVO

On getting a clean sheet It was a good challenge for us today to keep that clean sheet, and that's how we can prove that we can compete against good teams. I think Kansas is one of the best teams in the league. They have really good players. We controlled things in every part of the field.

On the scuffle with Dom Dwyer No no, I just tried to- when he get to the ball- I just tried to help him get up, but he's just like I was going to kick him. I'm not that kind of guy.

On what Roger Espinoza said to you It stay on the field. For me, that kind of think should stay on the field.

On playing a complete game I think that when the team is compact defensively and when we attack, we're gonna win a lot of points this year. And, when we don't wait 20 minutes to wake up, we look really good. And when we score first, I think every time we've won the game. So, I think we have to keep going and try to improve some details. We have to improve.

On Abu Danladi's performance He deserved it. I mean, he's been working for this. He's been working hard every day, and tries to find a space with Johan, with Christian. Then the coach gives him time and he gets the right time and the score today. He helps us holding the ball and passing the ball. So, for me, it was a really good game. I'm really happy for him. I know he's going to be a really good player in the future. I mean, soon in the future.

On what Bobby Shuttleworth showed you today Bobby always gets kicked. But that means that he doesn't care if he gets kicked or not. He just tries to get zero goals, and that means too much to us. I think Bobby is a really really good keeper, and he helps us a lot. MNUFC FORWARD CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ

On the first time starting with Abu I tried to give him as much positive energy as I could, knowing it's his first professional start. I knew he was going to cause havoc for the back line. He did a really good job and made my job a lot easier.

On being able to score with the assist from Ibarra No, its just good to see him finding his legs finally. Its been a long 18 months for him and it took a couple months in preseason to get that burst back and be in game form so that was the best part, to reward him.

On going against Dwyer No, I just try to go out and do what I know how to do each game and let the rest take care of itself. I've been dreaming to put on the U.S colors so I know if I continue to score goals ill put myself in a good position for that. I told Dom after the game its about time I got a win against a team he's playing on, so that was nice.

On what the game means and if there is a budding rivalry If you are going to build a rivalry you have to win some games against them so to start that is defiantly a great stepping-stone. We've had a few battles slip away so to get this one when they are at the top of the table hopefully puts us in position to get above that red line and to build going forward.

MNUFC MIDFIELDER MIGUEL IBARRA

On SKC missing some players on the right side No. When they put up the lineups the first thing Adrian told me was that this was KC's right backs first start and to go at him. I just kept it simple and did what Adrian and the coaches have been talking to me about.

On describing the style of SKC We knew that the middles, Dom Dwyer and Benny Feilhaber are tough. We wanted to make sure that when the center backs get the ball we force them all to one side because they are just going to play it long. Offensively, we said just make sure we get in the box. Abu helped us today because of how well he ran off of Christian.

On Adrian saying you are coming into your role In the past I was use to staying out wide and going at people. Now It's a different system of me finding holes and making sure I'm in the hole looking for the ball. If they are up close to me I have to spin off and create separation, which is how I think the goals came. It was just a matter of time for me to learn that playing style and little by little I'm getting back my form

On special moment to connect with Christian again on the goal Defiantly. We talked about it last game. There were some balls I could have given him and he said "You already know me, I'm always in the second post". So when I got that ball and saw Christian go to the second post, I put it there and he finished. IT was really nice combining with him and getting that goal.

On how would you describe the time away and how frustrating not being able to play was? And now to get a chance again and have success Really happy. This was my first 90 min game in more than a year. Just finishing this game was big for me. I'm getting my confidence and form back and I'm really happy because of that but there is still room for improvement.

On when you felt your form returning Right when they put me in in Houston. I made some runs and said to myself "I can play this role" and then the next game I scored so that really helped me. After that my confidence even in practice was helping me a lot

On seeing Abu get his first goal Amazing. We knew he was going to run off Christian really well so when I got the ball and I saw Abu at the first post I knew he was going to be there and finish.

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