MLS NEXT Pro Minnesota United FC 2

MNUFC2 vs Tacoma Defiance Preview

Published on August 15, 2022 under MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - On Monday night, MNUFC2 is set to make its return to the National Sports Center Stadium to host the top team in the Western Conference, the Tacoma Defiance. The Loons faced tough circumstances last week in Colorado against Rapids 2, as an hour-plus delay made for a late night. But, three goals by forward Tommy Williamson (two from penalty kicks) helped give Minnesota a well-earned away point following the eventual loss in a shootout after regulation ended in a 3-3 draw.

MNUFC2's last match against Tacoma in July saw Tacoma build a 3-0 lead through 60 minutes. Attacking midfielder Sagir Arce scored his first MNUFC2 goal to cut the deficit to two goals before Tommy Williamson brought the Loons within one just 10 minutes later. Minnesota fought hard but came up just short in Washington that night in a 3-2 final. Overall, the Loons held nearly 60 percent of possession against the Defiance while also outshooting their opponents on target 7-4.

The Loons face a daunting task of taming the high-powered Tacoma offense which has scored 54 goals to-date, with a defense that has only conceded 20 so far this season. But, Minnesota comes into the match on a two-game unbeaten run with six goals scored over those two contests. The gritty result at Rapids 2, along with a full week of rest and preparation, look to keep momentum up for MNUFC2 ahead of a home match against the conference leaders.

MNUFC2 hosts the Tacoma Defiance at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. CT, and can be viewed by streaming at www.mlsnextpro.com.

Cameron Knowles on the Colorado Rapids 2 match last week...

"I think the response from the players was excellent for the uncertainty around that and whether we were going to play that night, whether we were going to come back the next day, what the travel was going to be like - are we coming back after the game, are we waiting for the next day - there was a lot of uncertainty around it. It was challenging. You'd have eaten to plan on a kick off time and you're trying to figure out if you should eat now or is it too late most of the game [first team game] and the players did well with that. The players that were sat on the first team bench then came with us, with very little warm up, had to jump straight into a game having already gone through the motion of being in another game and a game that had a stoppage because of the weather and a delay. What a long night for everyone. But, when you look at it, the first half I thought the play from the guys was really good. Then, to be down a goal and to come back and get ourselves back in it and get a point on the road at a very difficult place to play is a great result."

Cameron Knowles on preparing ahead of MNUFC2's match against Tacoma Defiance...

"We train tomorrow and train Sunday and we've got a game Monday and prepare towards that game while the first team's in Nashville. We'll see what that looks like in terms of what players are available to us for Monday. It's a tough team [Tacoma Defiance]. A team that's scored more goals than anyone in this league and they've done that with very few chances. They're very clinical when they get around the ball, so we've got to be very disciplined in the way we defend."

Cameron Knowles on forward Tommy Williamson...

"We've had some good performances across the front group. Aziel Jackson is number one in chance creation in the league, Tommy's been really important for us as a striker that allows us to play off of him, the wide players have effect coming into the game and you're starting to see that more and more. Out here at our last home game, AZ [Aziel Jackson] scores a goal, but it's a run from Tommy Williamson that creates a space for him. You're seeing more of that where they're being unselfish with their movement for each other and getting the goals and the assists as rewards."

Tommy Williamson on scoring three against Rapids 2 last week...

"It felt good, definitely, and felt good to get that third one [goal] and complete the hat trick and also tie the game up. [They were] super important moments and I'm glad we at least got a point out of an away trip. Overall, a little disappointed we didn't come away with a win but also happy with getting a hat trick."

Tommy Williamson on training ahead of hosting Tacoma on Monday...

"They [Tacoma Defiance] have a strong offense that converts a lot of their chances, so we're just going to have to be focused on not letting them get those chances and when our chances come, we just have to bury them. We got two against them last time, so there shouldn't be a problem trying to create those chances. It's about finishing them."

Tommy Williamson on how threatening chances become goals scored...

"We all need to be looking to play forward first and get numbers in the box and follow up on 50/50 balls. That's the most important thing. I think just that last second concentration and finishing will definitely help."

MNUFC2 vs. TACOMA DEFIANCE

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER STADIUM | BLAINE, MINNESOTA

08.15.22 | MLS Next PRO Regular Season | Week 19

7:00 p.m. CT (mlsnextpro.com)

2022 Record

MIN: 7-7-4 (4-2-1 at home)

TAC: 12-3-4 (4-2-3 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC 2 Statistics

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