Sports stats



MLS Minnesota United FC

Ramirez, Ibarra Power Loons to 2-0 Win over Montreal

May 26, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Amid 90-degree temperatures, forward Christian Ramirez and midfielder Miguel Ibarra ignited Minnesota United with two goals in a six-minute span early in the second half as the team concluded its home stand with a 2-0 win over Montreal Impact Saturday night at TCF Bank Stadium.

In the weeks leading up the match, Head Coach Adrian Heath said he would have a better picture of his team's progression by the end of this home stand. With the three points, MNUFC ends its run of four of five matches at home with16 points and in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

"We are getting better and we still have a long way to go to be where I want us to be," said Heath. "To be in and around the playoffs with the Galaxy and one or two others, we'll probably take that."

Both teams left room for the other to operate early, but it was the Impact that finally settled in and started to take advantage. Montreal created the majority of the chances in the opening 45 minutes - none closer than midfielder Ignacio Piatti's floating shot in the 28th minute that found the crossbar - and forced two saves out of MNUFC goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.

Though the Loons struggled to connect passes in the attack early, they found their groove in the dying minutes of the scoreless first half and generated arguably the two most dangerous changes.

Midfielder Darwin Quintero was Minnesota's most threatening player and he came close to opening the scoring in the 41st minute. He stripped a Montreal player of the ball and charged into an open seam in the box, eventually pushing his shot wide left. Ibarra followed that opportunity in the 43rd minute by evading a defender in the penalty area and picking out midfielder Alexi Gomez for a shot that left the crossbar shaking.

"I thought the first 25 minutes were as bad as we've played all season," said Heath. "We lacked energy and we lacked desire. If you look at the first half, Darwin could have had two goals through his own little bits of creativity. If we can consistently get the ball to him in the final third, he will score many goals."

With momentum still coursing from a first half surge, MNUFC broke through in the 52nd minute with Ramirez's third goal of the season and second in the last three matches. Midfielder Ibson picked off an Impact pass at midfield and slid the ball forward to Ramirez in the box. Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush got a piece of the shot, but not enough to prevent it from trickling into the bottom left corner of the net.

Ibarra doubled the Loons' advantage in the 58th minute with a highlight reel-worthy strike. After a Gomez cross took a deflection off Impact defender Rodd Fanni, Ibarra beat defender Daniel Lovitz to the loose ball and uncorked a curling shot from the top of the box into the upper 90.

"We knew we weren't having our best game at the beginning," said Ibarra. "It was on us to wake up and make sure that we put them on the back foot because we weren't pressing at all. Our second half was to make sure to press them, press them, press them and make sure they give the ball away. I think we did a great job in the second half and it worked."

With a two-goal lead, Minnesota and its backline settled in and closed out the victory. The MNUFC defenders, led by World Cup-bound Francisco Calvo, turned in a stellar performance - especially in the opening 25-30 minutes of the contest to ward off Montreal - and Shuttleworth was up to the task when called upon. He turned away another pair of shots to finish with four stops and his second clean sheet of the season.

"I thought the back four were terrific today," said Heath. "I thought the back four were the best they've been because they had to be. I thought Calvo and Boxall did some great stuff. When you see the response that Francisco Calvo had today - throwing himself in last-ditch tackles when he has the biggest tournament of his career around the corner - I think that spoke volumes for him. I was so pleased for him."

Minnesota threatened a few more times before the final whistle, but settled for the two goals and the accompanying three points. After being subbed on in the 81st minute for Quintero, forward Abu Danladi had a pair of close calls and set up Gomez for a chance in the 86th minute that forced a stop from Bush.

Withs their home stand now behind them, the Loons prepare for two straight on the road starting with next week's nationally televised clash against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Pre-match coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 1 and on MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN.

Lineups

Minnesota United FC Starting XI: GK Bobby Shuttleworth: D Tyrone Mears, Michael Boxall, Francisco Calvo, Eric Miller; M Rasmus Schuller, Ibson (Frantz Pangop 90'), Miguel Ibarra, Alexi Gomez, Darwin Quintero (Abu Danladi 81'); F Christian Ramirez (Collin Martin 76')

MIN Unused Subs: GK Alex Kapp;D Brent Kallman, Carter Manley; F Mason Toye

Montreal Impact Starting XI: GK Evan Bush; D Daniel Lovitz, Rod Fonni, Jukka Raitala, Chris Duvall; M Samuel Piette, Alejandro Silva (Ken Krolicki 57'), Matteo Mancosu (Anthony Jackson-Hamel 71'), Saphir Taider, Raheem Edwards; F Ignacio Piatti

MTL Unused Subs: GK Clement Diop; D Rudy Camacho; M Marco Donadel, Jeisson Vargas; F Michael Petrasso

Match Events

Goals 52' - Ramirez (Ibson) - MIN 58' - Ibarra - MIN

Discipline 20' - Edwards (YC) - MTL 20' - Gomez (YC) - MIN 44' - Calvo (YC) - MIN

MINNESOTA UNITED QUOTES SHEET

MNUFC HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH

On his message to the team during the first water break and halftime ...

Well, we had a few words at the water break. And a lot more at halftime. I thought the first 25 minutes were as bad as we've played all seasons. I thought we were lack of energy, lack of desire. Whatever adjective you care to use. I thought we were probably there in the first 25, 30 minutes. I thought after the water break we got a lot better and then second half we played like I want us to play. We got them out of their comfort zone and put them on their back foot. And certainly, we managed. We looked like we could play. We started to get some combination play. We started to get them on their back foot. We got the crowd back involved in the game. But it's not good for my health. I don't think.

On the team needing his words of wisdom to get into the match ...

I'm not sure they're words of wisdom. It was a few words you probably wouldn't wish to repeat. I actually thought the back four were terrific today. Bobby [Shuttleworth] barley needed them. In light of what the European Cup final today, when you see two guys - who are probably going to miss the World Cup - you see the response that Francisco Calvo did today, you know, throwing himself in last ditch tackles when he's got the biggest tournament of his career around the corner. I think that spoke volumes for him. I was so pleased for him.

On if he felt like this was one of Francisco Calvo's best matches ...

I do. I do. Because at times, he made some interceptions, and had he not, you know, it would have been one vs. one with the keeper. I thought him and [Michael Boxall] today did some great stuff. I thought [Tyrone Mears], in fact, I thought the back four were the best they've been, because they had to be. For the first 30 minutes, there was not a lot of protection in front of them and bodies in front of them. But to say they were passive, would probably be an understatement.

On Christian Ramirez's 23 touches on the ball ...

No. I think that Christian [Ramirez] would like to be involved a lot more than he was, in terms of more touches. But, you know, I couldn't fault his work rate today. You know, he put a real shift in. And as I always say to strikers, eventually, you get your rewards. It might not be today. He's got his goal, which all strikers love. But he'll get the reward for that somewhere down the road when he perhaps doesn't play as well and he'll end up getting a goal. Because that's what I firmly believe.

On how much he is looking for Michael Boxall to step up while Calvo is at the World Cup ...

In terms of his personality, maybe a little bit, because he is one of those senior guys. But in terms of the way he's playing, he can't do an awful lot more. And as I've said to you, he's not one of them who screams and shouts, he's more about his actions. And, you know, I think he'll be really pleased, the fact that he'll lead the team out next week. And we'll see how he does. But he's been terrific since he's been here.

On what he thought of Tyrone Mears' performance in his first match back from injury ...

I thought he was very good. He was good at times, you know. He didn't overextend himself. He realized he has not played a lot of games at times. I thought he did well against arguably one of the most difficult guys in the league in [Ignacio] Piatti. So, he chose the moment very well. When to go forward and leave Piatti. But when he didn't realize that we got really good possession, and then he stayed with him. I thought his choices were very good at times.

On what people should have learned (and what he learned) about MNUFC in May ...

That we're better than we were and we've still got a long, long way to go to be where I want us to be. You know, we still need quality to add into the group. So hopefully when the next window comes around we can add another couple of pieces. But, we are getting better. You know, I think it was said before the season started, if you look at the away games that we've had, we've been to a lot of difficult places to play. So, to be in and around the playoffs, with the Galaxy and one or two others, we'll probably take that.

On what he needs to see from Alexi Gómez going forward ...

I thought his performance was really good. Showed us some bits of quality. And his work rate was good. You know, he's settling in. And it's never easy when you come to a new country. I think the fact that we've got so many Spanish speakers has helped him, but I think he'll be better for getting a full 90 minutes under his belt, because that's one thing he's been lacking is a little bit of that game sharpness. You know, he's all about being explosive. Quick feet. And I feel as though he's just starting to get that back a little bit.

On if he thinks opponents are starting to find ways to defend Darwin Quintero ...

Well, if you look at the first half, he probably could have had two goals through his own little bits of creativity. I know that if we can consistently get the ball to him in the final third, he will have a score of many goals. You know, the one where he nutmegged the guy and he ran in today. He is beside himself that he hasn't scored. He normally finishes them after. What's he got? Has he got three goals since he's been here? I think three. So, if he carries on like that, I think he'll have, maybe 10, towards the end.

MNUFC FORWARD CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ

On if he said anything to Ibson on his goal or whether he expects the midfielder to find him ...

No. You can look back, I think this is our third or fourth that's happened just like that. One against Fort Lauderdale, one against Jacksonville. I don't know if we had one last year, but it's similar plays where he picks off a pass and I'm already in behind their center backs and he just fires it in to me as hard as he can. So, it's a similar goal as we've had before and that's why we were laughing afterwards. Because it's happened on several occasions.

On the message to the team at halftime ...

Just to keep the ball. I think we were killing ourselves. Whenever we won it in a good spot, we would rush that first pass and not collect it. Once we fixed that, we found our tempo and things changed. So, I think with this weather, we started to let that affect us in our decision making. But once we fixed that, it was pretty much our game.

On if he and Darwin Quintero are starting to feel more comfortable with one another now ...

Yeah, definitely. I think we were a couple inches off on a pass in the first half. And then once he gets going, and he gets his early touches, I think he starts to get comfortable and into the game. And he's pretty tough to maintain. So, it's just a matter of me finding my spots off his shoulder, off his angles. And I think the more we continue to play with each other, the more that will happen. And I think we're getting better defensively. I'm starting to pick up his tendencies defensively, where he's cheating high and I have to come in. So, a little bit lower than normal. But that's coming along.

On if Quintero is understanding his movement off the ball ...

Yeah, definitely. The more and more that he's out there, you can see us during the game. Where he is talking, and he's pointing at certain things, and I'm pointing back. We're just trying to figure it out.

MNUFC MIDFIELDER MIGUEL IBARRA

On his goal against Montreal Impact ...

Again, it was Alexi [Gómez] going down the left side. And my instinct is to always getting back on the second post. Once I saw that it hit the defender and came back I reversed my run and all I had on my mind was get it in front of me and strike it.

On the during the water break and halftime ...

We knew we weren't having our best game at the beginning. It was for us to wake up and make sure that we put them on the back foot because we weren't pressing at all. Our second half was to make sure to press them, press them, press them and make sure they give the ball away. I think we did a great job in the second half and it worked.

On what it means to end this homestand with a win ...

It feels good. Other teams got results that they needed so we obviously needed to get three points here at home. And against Montreal, we knew we were more that capable to do it against them because we know they are struggling. Getting these three points was big for us, especially know with us heading back to [Sporting Kansas City], playing at Kansas City is going to be a good and a hard-fought game.

On sending Francisco Calvo to the World Cup with a win ...

Yeah, we know we're going to lose our captain, a great player, our leader back there. Now we're going to have to step up and I'm pretty sure they're more than ready to step up.

On his goal celebration ...

I was just kinda, did the whole fist bump and then just pointed at the number which was ... I don't know why I did it. Just like an instinct. So, I'm just really happy that we were able to get three points.

On what it takes to perform well week in and week out ...

Like I said, it was all this offseason work that I did and losing important players and it was time for me to step up. Now I got the opportunity I just have to keep going. The sky is the limit for me so just keep going and keep helping the team get three points.

MNUFC MIDFIELDER RASMUS SCHULLER

On changes to his game plan against Montreal ...

No, it was pretty much the same as it has been the other games. Maybe a bit more balancing in the midfield and trying to pick up their counter players and see where the spaces are that they are trying to exploit and stop them.

On whether his yellow card count changes his style of play ...

No. You have to go fully in every situation. Of course, I know I am one yellow away from suspension so in some situations maybe I am not lunging in like I can some other situations, because I don't want to be suspended. But still you have to go 100 percent when you are on the field.

On his mentality ahead of the World Cup break with a couple road games ...

I have the same mentality: be 100 percent and play for the team.

MNUFC DEFENDER MICHAEL BOXALL

On the importance of the win over Montreal Impact ...

Yeah, I think after the tough start -- we went to a lot of tough places on the road and we know that it's tough to win away from home, so when there are teams coming here we have to capitalize on that. And I think we did, but just because we have an away game doesn't mean we don't have the same standards.

MNUFC DEFENDER FRANCISCO CALVO

On the team's performances across the homestand ...

So, it's positive, right? Yeah, I mean, if we won three games and then we just lost one this is positive. I think the team, we know that we could get more points in some games. You know, for example, Atlanta, we should have won that game. Kansas City we could have done more. But, well, it is how it is. Now we stay there, we keep fighting to get into playoffs. That's our goal, our team goal this year. First get into playoffs and then anything can happen.

MNUFC DEFENDER TYRONE MEARS

On playing against Ignacio Piatti ...

It's a game that you look forward to. Piatti is a fantastic player. The first time I arrived in MLS I didn't know anything about him, but I knew he was a very good player after playing against him. It's been difficult for Montreal and they need their top players like Piatti in form if they are going to pick up points.

On keeping a clean sheet and differences in the team ...

This was the first time I have played with Darwin [Quintero]. He obviously has a lot of quality in what he brings. Not a lot has changed, we have changed the wingers and we have had a few injuries in that department. The games I have played, obviously some we have won and some we should have won. Today you could argue that it wasn't great in the first half, but we have showed a lot of quality in the second half to turn it around and that's the difference between the start of the season to now. Maybe not playing too well but picking up the points.

On the identity of the squad under coach Adrian Heath ...

I think what the gaffer promotes is work rate. He likes to play attacking -- running off the ball is key with our team. If we don't do that, which we didn't in the first half, we are not very good. Everything is about running off the ball, third man running. The amount of times Darwin slips players in is unbelievable and that's going to be key for us this season.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from May 26, 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