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MLS NEXT Pro Minnesota United FC 2

MNUFC2 vs. Timbers2 Preview

July 31, 2022 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- MNUFC2 will be playing at home for the first time in two weeks, facing Timbers2 in their first meeting of the season. Minnesota is coming off of a well-fought battle against Houston Dynamo 2, but a difficult 1-0 loss left the Loons with a strong desire to bounce back.

Timbers2 has struggled to find their footing this season; currently ranked 11th in the Western Conference, they are looking to gain some winning traction. MNUFC2 Head Coach Cameron Knowles is familiar with the Portland system, as he spent a total of nine years with the Portland Timbers club as a coach - three of those years as head coach for the Portland Timbers 2 side that competed in the USL Championship.

The Loons are currently ranked seventh in the Western Conference - just three teams and seven points away from playoff position. There are eight games left in the season and 24 possible points Minnesota could accumulate. Notably, with his four chances created against Houston Dynamo 2 last week, Aziel Jackson is now currently the league leader in chance creation with 41 key passes.

MNUFC2 hosts Timbers2 at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. The game starts at 5:00 p.m. CT, and can be viewed by streaming at www.mlsnextpro.com.

Cameron Knowles on this week's training following a difficult result at Houston Dynamo 2...

"They've [MNUFC2 players] been good and their attitude has been good. When we look at that game, managing that last part of the first half is the difference. But, we're the seventh team they've took three points from, so it's a difficult place to go and play. You have to give them credit, they're a good team. The guys are hungry. They're hungry for success in terms of results. We've said it from the beginning that it's not really all about the results. Certainly they help and they drive motivation with the group, and you see it today in the way that they battled and were competing and running and fighting and are hungry to get back to their winning ways."

Cameron Knowles on players who have improved in their individual growth in the recent weeks...

"We've got a few. It's hard to single out just one or two of the individual players. When you look at it, Alec [Smir] has had to come in and play in games he wasn't anticipating to be in, and he's playing really well. AZ [Aziel Jackson] after the last game became the league leader in chance creation and that's a really good thing. Credit to him, that's big time. Then we look at Diogo [Pacheco] who's trained this week after being out to injury. Tommy [Williamson], the way he's trained after being out injured. Emmanuel Iwe, the chances that he's had in games and the threat that he's provided. We have a lot [of individual growth]. We've got to keep working hard and keep trying to put it all together as a group. Our message to the team was to just start our first 45 minutes like we've played the second 45. So, to not be from a position where we're chasing it."

Cameron Knowles on his familiarity with Timbers2 and Portland's system, how to prepare for Sunday...

"There's a few players that are still with the team that were there when I was there, so you tend to know them well. That said, it's been almost two years of development that those players have had that I haven't seen as closely. But, it's a club that I don't think their position in the league reflects some of the quality of the players they have and the way that they've been playing. They've had, like us, some games that turn in a couple of quick moments where perhaps they had the better of the game and they find themselves down two goals. It'll be a difficult game. I think all the games every week will be difficult. We don't know what their roster will be like as their first team plays the day before on Saturday, and we don't know who will be involved on Sunday, so we'll take it as it comes. It should be a good one."

Emmanuel Iwe on the focus and highlights in training ahead of Timbers2 match...

"I think it has mainly been the way guys are pushing each other in training. You can see that hunger because we've been in this struggle the past three games. I think that's our worst stretch that we've had all season and you can kind of see it reflecting in the training session. Guys are going harder, fighting for every ball and making sure the standard is high because it is a big game coming up. To lose four [in a row] is absolutely unacceptable for our own personal standards and fighting for that playoff spot. In training, it's been good, it's been intense and everyone's on the ball. So, it's looking good for Sunday."

Emmanuel Iwe on his mentality going into Sunday...

"For me, it's the hunger because it's about producing those goals and assists, etc. The play is great but it's the finishing product that we need. You can do everything right, but if you don't score the goal, it's almost kind of in vain in a way. Obviously, it's still good that you get in those situations. For me personally, it's that hunger to score more and assist more."

Emmanuel Iwe on the key to getting three points at home against Timbers2...

"I think the key is working for each other. I think, no matter what team you go up against, if we're on the same page and not only running for ourselves and we're running for our teammates and putting ourselves in those positions - if everyone is doing their jobs as best to their abilities as they can - I think there's no reason why we shouldn't come away with three points."

MNUFC2 vs. TIMBERS2

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER STADIUM | BLAINE, MINN.

07.31.22 | MLS Next PRO Regular Season | Week 17

5:00 p.m. CT (mlsnextpro.com)

2022 Record

MIN: 6-7-3 (3-2-1 at home)

POR: 1-13-2 (0-7-1 on the road)

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