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MLS NEXT Pro Minnesota United FC 2

MNUFC2 vs. VAN Preview

July 1, 2022 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - MNUFC2 will be kicking off the second half of its season this Saturday, July 2 at the National Sports Center Stadium against Whitecaps FC 2. This return to the North Star State comes after a 4-0 loss to North Texas SC in Arlington, Texas. While the Loons look to rebound from their defeat down south, let's take a look at what happened last time out against the Whitecaps.

When these two played one another in May, the game was a bit all over the place. After going up a goal off of a corner in the 12th minute, MNUFC2 conceded an unfortunate own goal from a deflected corner at the other end. In the 41st minute, the Loons got back in front 2-1 on Tommy Williamson's second goal of the match, via penalty kick. Just three minutes later though, an awkward bounce forced another own goal to level the score at two going into the half.

The second half was less eventful, with the only notable occurrences being a few yellow cards being shown to Vancouver players. At the final whistle, the game was tied and penalty kicks promptly began. The ensuing shootout saw Minnesota United come out with a 3-1 win after some well taken penalties and good goalkeeping from Fred Emmings.

Going into this rematch, Minnesota will be hoping to play a cleaner game. After dominating possession, outshooting the Whitecaps 21-4, and overall outplaying their opponents, it's a wonder that the game ended up tied. The ideas and opportunities were there, but a few too many mishaps and mistakes cost them.

Cameron Knowles on the primary focus of training this week...

"It's about finishing plays. Going that extra yard to actually block a shot, block a cross. Finishing a play on the attacking side, putting a ball in the back of the net. Like I've said, we've shown that we can do it. We have been putting in some good performances individually and collectively and we just need to get back to that. We can't get ahead of ourselves and think we can just coast and expect a result to go our way."

Cameron Knowles on the difference for this game versus Whitecaps FC 2 than the last time...

"We don't know if the personnel we have available will be the same as we had then. There's a great chance that it's a very different game, but we were good in that game. We played well. We scored four goals and tied two-two. Two of those were own goals, but we had again a lot of good chances and the guys played well on the road and then to have the composure and the quality to get that extra point as well was important. They're [Whitecaps FC 2] a good team. Vancouver's got some really good results. It's going to be a really tough game for us."

Fred Emmings on improvements being made defensively ahead of Whitecaps FC 2 contest...

"[Jason] Ramos is back after he had a red card. Playing a three-back made it a bit difficult, so we have some more guys back and we're going to go ahead and plan on playing a little better, watch some film, prepare properly and I think we'll be alright."

Aziel Jackson on resetting this week following the North Texas SC loss...

"I think resetting this week will be good just to know what the flaws were and we can bounce back even stronger. Like I said, we have a really talented group and we all like to play together, so that's the most important thing. Just having that in the back of our heads, just looking forward to the weekend, we're just going to come out stronger. I know we will."

MNUFC2 vs. WHITECAPS FC 2

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER STADIUM | BLAINE, MINN.

07.02.22 | MLS Next PRO Regular Season | Week 13

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

2022 Record

MIN: 5-4-3 (2-1-1 at home)

VAN: 6-3-5 (2-2-2 on the road)

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