Sports stats



MLS Minnesota United FC

Quick Start Paces Minnesota to a 2-1 Win over New England Revolution

July 19, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- After forwards Christian Ramirez and Darwin Quintero gave Minnesota United its dream start, goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth's Man of the Match performance amid ample pressure closed out the visiting New England Revolution late as the Loons walked away with a 2-1 win Wednesday night in front of 27,544 fans at TCF Bank Stadium.

With the win, Minnesota continued its superb form at home. MNUFC has won back-to-back games, three straight within the friendly confines of TCF and grabbed nine points from the first four matches of its current crucial home stand.

"We got a lot of reward for what we put in over the last few weeks," Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "It was a monumental effort against a really well organized, aggressive and athletic team. I am pleased to be sitting here with three points."

In the lead up to Wednesday's match, Minnesota preached the importance of starting fast at home to get into New England's head after Saturday's stoppage time loss and forward Christian Ramirez obliged in the fifth minute. Ramirez capitalized on a defensive error, ran onto a headed ball, caught goalkeeper Matt Warner off of his line and put just enough on the chipped effort to bounce it off of the right post. The goal granted MNUFC the quick start it sought and snapped a four-match goalless stretch for Ramirez.

Since Ramirez scored in the match's first five minutes, fans in attendance can redeem their ticket stub for one free beer or soda at Sunday's Surly Pre-Match Party.

"The one thing I have told (Ramirez) is all he can control is his enthusiasm, his desire and his work rate," Heath said. "I thought he put in an incredible shift today. That's what the team needs. I have said it a million times, I am a firm believer that in football you will always get out what you put in and he's had a little bit of a reward today."

After sweating out some pushback from the Revolution in the middle stages of the opening half - including a heroic defensive effort from Brent Kallman in the 19th minute to step into the six-yard box and prevent what surely would have been an equalizer - Quintero continued his blistering run of form to double the Loons' advantage just before halftime.

On a standout individual effort in the 46th minute, Quintero picked the ball up at the top of the box, weaved through New England's back line and, while nearly parallel to the end line, caressed a low shot into the opposite corner.

With his team-leading eighth goal, the Colombian Designated Player now boasts five goals and a pair of assists in the Loons' last four matches.

"He is a difference maker," Heath said. "That is what quality brings you. We're getting better and I think the squad is better. I honestly believe that there is a determination in the group. If we can cut silly mistakes out, we are more than capable of playing against anybody in the league."

The Revolution continued to press after halftime and cut Minnesota's advantage in half in the 52nd minute. After Shuttleworth turned away a threatening free kick, midfielder Alexi Gomez committed a foul on New England midfielder Kelyn Row at the edge of the penalty area. Midfielder Diego Fagundez stepped up and converted the ensuing penalty kick to give his side life.

Shuttleworth saves became a recurring theme in the second half as the Revs desperately pushed to level the score. He finished the evening with six stops, including four in the closing stanza. None, though, were bigger than his turn away of midfielder Scott Caldwell in the 80th minute. Defender Claude Dielna served the ball in and Caldwell dangerously deflected it on goal from inside the six-yard box, but Shuttleworth deftly met it at the near post to help see the Loons' lead through to the final whistle.

"Bobby has come up with a couple of huge save when we've needed him," Heath said. "Once they got one, it gave them some impetus and momentum in the game. There was a lot of good stuff, defensively. We had to because we were under pressure for large periods of the game. A couple of times we rode our luck and a couple of times Bobby came up big."

Minnesota United is back in action on Sunday, July 22 against expansion side Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium. Pre-game coverage for the Western Conference clash begins at 5:30 p.m. on FOX Sports North, streaming on FOX Sports GO and on MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN.

Lineups

Minnesota United FC Starting XI: GK Bobby Shuttleworth; D Michael Boxall, Brent Kallman, Francisco Calvo; M Miguel Ibarra, Ibson, Collen Warner, Rasmus Schuller, Alexi Gomez (Maximiano 85'); F Darwin Quintero (Mason Toye 90+2'), Christian Ramirez (Eric Miller 76')

MIN Unused Subs: GK Matt Lampson; D Wyatt Omsberg; M Collin Martin, Frantz Pangop

New England Revolution Starting XI: GK Matt Turner; D Andrew Farrell, Jalil Anibaba, Brandon Bye, Gabriel Somi (Claude Dielna 67'); M Wilfried Zahibo, Scott Caldwell (Brian Wright 80'), Kelyn Rowe, Diego Fagundez; F Teal Bunbury (Kriszitan Nemeth 69'), Juan Agudelo

NE Unused Subs: GK Brad Knighton; D Nicolas Samayoa; M Zachary Herivaux, Issac Angking

Match Events

Goals

5' - Ramirez - MIN

45+' - Quintero - MIN

52' - Fagundez (PK) - NE

Discipline

30' - Calvo (YC) - MIN

45' - Warner (YC) - MIN

55' - Anibaba (YC) - NE

55' - Quintero (YC) - MIN

62' - Ibarra (YC) - MIN

75' - Rowe (YC) - NE

83' - Agudelo (YC) - MIN

90' - Boxall (YC) - MIN

MINNESOTA UNITED QUOTES SHEET

MNUFC HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH

On if that was a complete performance that he was looking for ...

I thought we got a lot of reward for what we put in over the last few weeks. You know, sometimes you don't get what you deserve in the game, and Brad [Friedel] probably feels that this evening. You know, Bobby [Shuttleworth] has come up with a couple of huge saves when we've needed him, and we've rode our luck a little bit, but we did the right thing defending the goal the way we did. Obviously, I think Alexi [Gomez] was a bit rash, I'd like to see it again. I don't know whether it's in or out. And obviously, once they got one, it gave them some impetus and momentum in the game. You know, we were hanging on at times, but we always looked dangerous. I thought Darwin [Quintero] was fantastic again. Some of his stuff. But it was one of them where, had it been 2-2, I don't think I could have complained an awful lot tonight. But we've had games this year where, I've come in here, I thought we should have taken one or more points, so, maybe it swings around about sometimes that you get something. But, can't fault the players for their effort. Monumental effort against a really well organized, aggressive, athletic team. So, I'm pleased to be sitting here with three points.

On what is different during this three-game home winning streak this year versus last year ...

I think we're getting better. I think we're getting better players in. It's very hard at times when you play against teams, and they've got five or six DPs on the field, and they've managed to buy two or three of them down over a period of time. I think you look at the contribution Darwin Quintero's done. That's what quality brings you. You know, he's a difference maker. But you pay for that. So, we're getting better. I think the squad is better. I honestly believe that there's a determination in the group. As I've said before. If we can cut silly mistakes out, we are more than capable of playing against anybody in the league. Now can we do that consistently? Can we start to do it on the road? Can we put this type of defensive performance on the road? Because that's the next step for us. We put ourselves under enormous pressure here because we're not picking up any points on the road. So, and as I've said to you, if we can make sure that we keep the season alive to late in the end of the year, then we're going to have to start getting some results on the road as well. And it's going to need that type of defending that we had tonight.

On Christian Ramirez not scoring as much as he did last year ...

The one thing I told him, is all he can control, is his enthusiasm, his desire and his work rate. But I thought he put an incredible shift in today. He was absolutely gassed at 75 minutes, so that's why we changed it, because he could barely move. But that's what the team needs. I've said it a million times, I'm a firm believer in football, you will always get out what you put in. And he's had a little bit of reward today.

On the stability in his line-up, and how much it helps ...

It does. And I think also, you get a couple of wins and a bit more confidence comes within the group. You start to believe in the new shape, the new system. It certainly made us more solid at the back. Now, do we have enough sometimes going forward at home? That's something I'm going to have to weigh up long term. But as long as the little fella on the pitch, and the form they're in at this moment, every time he gets the ball in their half of the field, I feel as though we're capable of doing something. He's done it tonight, again. He put the ball in, he scored the goal. You know, some of these, his turning, his movement, his passing, is beautiful. It's great to see.

On the defensive focus and ability to shut New England down following Christian Ramirez's goal ...

Yeah. I thought there was a lot of good stuff defensively. And then, we had to, because as I say, we were under pressure for large periods of the game. They're as big and athletic of a team as I've probably played against in the MLS. Across the board. And then you see the subs come on. He's 6'3" and he's athletic. So, it brings its own problems. With every set piece is a problem, because they've got size, and they've got strength and they put good balls in the box. So as I say, a couple of times we rode our luck, a couple of times Bobby [Shuttleworth] has come up big. You know, I'm pleased that the players have got a little bit of reward for some of the performances maybe earlier on.

On any particular players that have stepped up over the course of the season ...

[Miguel] Ibarra has got better and better. I think Collen Warner has come in the team from nowhere and been outstanding. I think the three center backs are very, very good. Bobby [Shuttleworth] has come up when we've needed him. And I think Rasmus Schuller has been excellent. There have been a lot of really good performances. I know it's a coincidence that we have won a couple of games while a majority of them are playing well at this moment in time. Now, obviously, it's a big game for us. We've got a huge game on Sunday against probably one of the most in-form teams in the league. And it's going to need another technical performance to get a result on Sunday. But if we were to get a win on Sunday, it puts us right back in there.

On if he worries about each player being tired or good to go for the next game ...

You always do, don't you, when you've got a three-game week? But we've spoke about looking after ourselves, rehydrating. The preparation for Sunday's game has to start now. What they eat, what they drink, plenty of rest in the next two or three days. We won't be doing an awful lot, well, certainly this group won't be doing an awful lot. Obviously Romario [Ibarra] and people like that, they'll be training. But we'll see where he is come the end of the week, because he might figure somewhere along the line.

MNUFC FORWARD CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ

On getting the win

It felt good. We won so that helped us.

On his goal celebration

I was called a sitting duck somewhere. So I thought I'd let them know that I saw. One of my teammates passed that along to me as well as some rankings. But, that was all fine.

On having his family in town for encouragement

It definitely cleared my head having them here. Always good to see them. It's finally the first time where they're all here being able to see me play. I told my dad after Saturday's game that I didn't get hurt before he came. I was glad that he was able to see me, and my mom. [My daughter] stayed awake today to be able to watch. She had to leave early last game. Overall, it was a good day.

On how the last month has gone waiting to score again

It's been up and down. I've been pretty level-headed. My mind has been there, it's just been... It's a different role for me. Even after the goal. You saw me back in the midfield on the defensive midfielder. Deeper and deeper as we needed to withstand that pressure. It takes some adjusting and it'll be good.

On how they did defensively

It was one of those ugly games. You look at all the stats and you figure out how did we pull it off. I think the game was in control and we were up 2-0. One silly mistake gives them some momentum and we weathered that of the entire time. We had a couple chances on the break and could've put the game away again. Credit to the guys. The fought and defended every set piece, every cross with their life. It's a staple of how to close games out.

On negativity last match and having momentum with three wins at home

I know there was negativity last game with comments about giving up two goals. At the end of it once things cooled down in the locker room, our leaders said, 'Look, don't get your mind twisted. We won and that's the most important thing. So clear it out and move on.' We talked about getting nine points this week. We're almost there. So just get rested and another one on Sunday.

On having enough energy for Sunday's game after playing the same lineup twice

It's a grind this time of the year. Even more coming up. So [we need to] get through Sunday and then have a full week. Getting the cryotherapy, getting the ice baths, getting the massage. All that stuff to get you prepared. As long as we take care of our bodies we should be fine.

On having a message for critics

No. I think there will be a picture or a gif around there. I understand it, but it's all good. It's nothing different. It's been going on my whole life, so it's fine.

On Darwin Quintero drawing attention and opening up space

Yeah. Today it seemed like every time he was getting the ball he was constantly getting kicked. I kept mentioning that to the referee and he was watching it. As long as [Darwin Quintero] is going to get double-teammed, [his teammates] will be thankful for it. It will open up space for myself, for Miguel [Ibarra], for Alexi [Gomez]. I know Miguel is adjusting to that position and still making two or three runs in behind. So he'll be fine.

MNUFC DEFENDER BRENT KALLMAN

On third straight home win, third straight game where you have the same back three for those wins... Does it finally feel like it's becoming comfortable? ...

It felt like it tonight. I thought we did a good job along the entire backline, covering for each other. If someone made a mistake or someone got in behind someone, the other guy was in the right coverage spot. So yeah, it felt like we were clicking tonight, as far as stuff like that. As far as defending the box, guys were really good at defending the box tonight. I thought it was a good performance defensively.

On the injury in the first half ...

Oh yeah, there was a few. There were a few things going on. So, the one when Teal [Bunbury] nicked it off me, I went face first into the turf. I got a nice turf burn on my face. And I hyperextended my thumb on the fall as well. I was feeling it after that one. And then the clearance in the box, I knew [Juan] Agudelo was behind me, and he was going to swing, so I just tried to get something on it, knowing I was going to get wacked, and I did. My leg went numb for a second, and then it came back. It felt a little strange after, but when I got up and got moving around, it was good. So, I'll be a little sore but I'll be fine.

On an early goal, and if that changes the game on defense for the team ...

Yeah. I think sometimes teams fall into a lull of scoring a goal and then just stepping back. And that's something that we talked about, trying not to do that anymore. And, you know, we kind of weathered the storm a bit. We knew they were going to throw numbers forward, and we did. It's something you have to deal with until the game settles back down. But yeah, we'll take, we'll score early every game when we can. I think the numbers when we score first, the playoff numbers, we'd be towards the top of the table. So, that was great to get up out front, and like I said, just gotta weather the storm after that the next five minutes.

On if the team is ready to finish out this home stand on Sunday against LAFC ...

Yeah. It helps not having to travel, for sure. We get some recovery in. And then also having that extra day. If it was Saturday, it'd be a little more concerning. But that extra day is going to help a lot. That extra 24 hours in huge. So, yeah. I think we'll be alright. Guys are going to recover and take care of their bodies, and we'll be ready to go.

On what it's going to take to translate the home form to the road ...

You know, I don't know. It's something we're still trying to figure out as a group. It helps having the home crowd behind us, you know? They give us the extra gas. We gotta find a way to dig deep on the road and see games out and give that same kind of energy and fight that we do at home. That's something we'll address going forward, but all the focus right now is on Sunday. We keep this run of home form going.

On what it meant to see Christian Ramirez back on the scoresheet ...

Yeah. It's great for him. It's going to be great for his confidence going forward. He's been hungry. He's been trying hard. He's been putting in some extra work at training, working on his finishing. We've all seen it before, if you've covered this club in the past, it doesn't take much for him to get hot. So, maybe this is the start of something for him.

MNUFC GK BOBBY SHUTTLEWORTH

No goals from open play, what did you see in front of you?

I thought we did well, I thought we controlled the game for long periods , I thought we got into our blocks and defended well when we needed to, I think we gave up some chances but created a lot of chances as well. I think it was a good performance

How did you feel like you responded after you scored?

Well. I mean I think for us this year we've given up, there's been a bunch of games where we've given up goals back to back within 5-10 minutes of each other so for us to give away a goal there and then kinda ride it out in the second half and still create a couple chances. I thought it was good.

Does it feel good to beat New England after the loss against them last year?

Yeah I mean obviously I still know a lot of guys on the team and for me a win is a win. All of them feel good when you win in this league. It's difficult to win here in the league. I mean it's a little odd playing against some of those guys but a win's a win, we'll take it.

How imperative is it to finish out the home stand on Sunday with a win?

Yeah I think it's really important, you have to win your home games in this league. Obviously our road form has not been good this year and it's something that we have talked a lot about. It puts a lot of pressure on us to win games at home because we have been really poor on the road. I don't think it's any more difficult than normal with the squad that we have. I think whatever the manager chooses to do if another guy needs to play and step up and rotate in its that guys responsibility to put on a performance similar to what happened tonight

Are there any saves that you felt were especially important this game?

Probably the one at the near post in the second just half because of the amount of time left and I think it's a very, very good touch by Scotty and it's not an easy save but you know, just glad to come up with it.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from July 19, 2018


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