November 6, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – The Loons had another incredible come-from-behind win this Sunday in a do or die game against Sporting Kansas City. Kansas City got on the board early with an admittedly beautiful team goal that was finished by Khiry Shelton in the eighth minute. However, MNUFC did not let the early goal dampen their spirits and came back to win the game 2-1 with a goal from Franco Fragapane in the 20th minute and a converted penalty kick from Emanuel Reynoso in the 39th. Next up, the Loons are on their way to sunny Los Angeles for their final regular season game. Following their win on Sunday, the Loons have moved up to fifth place in the Western Conference with the LA Galaxy just a single point behind them in sixth after a tie with Seattle on Monday night. Points in the Western Conference are more valuable than ever on Decision Day, but the math is pretty straightforward for the Loons: Win, and you’re in.
HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH ON REYNOSO’S EXPERIENCE WITH BIG MOMENTS
“It certainly helps, the one thing about the Argentinian players whenever you bring them in, you know that the pressure is never going to get to them. They probably play in the most intense environment there is. Certainly in one of them in the world. You know he’s playing for Boca Juniors, he was the number ten for Boca Juniors, that comes with a certain responsibility and pressure. So no, coming into Allianz Field, as great as the atmosphere is, he thrives on that type of environment, he thrives in big games, so we’re going to need him in the next few weeks for sure.
GOALKEEPER TYLER MILLER ON STYMIEING THE GALAXY’S ATTACK
“It’s making sure we have a disciplined structure. We’re a difficult team when we have our back four intact and we’re all on the same page and we know what we’re doing. When things go a little awry, that’s when we become a little susceptible. It’s the little plays, the set pieces, the corners, the stoppages, where we have to make sure we’re not switching off because all it takes against a quality attack and a player of Chicharito’s status and the other attacking players that they have, is one moment. We know that each moment can really define the game, especially in a decision day battle. It’s going to be a game of moments and we have to make sure we’re ready.”
THE OPPOSITION
LA Galaxy have no shortage of history, and a history of success at that. They’re one of the 10 founding teams in the league and have won MLS Cup five times since its inception, the most of any team in MLS. Although they haven’t won it all since 2014 and didn’t qualify for the playoffs in 2017, 2018 or 2020, the team has remained a tough opponent that continues to attract and sign big name players including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. Minnesota’s MLS history is much shorter, but it’s also one of growth. The last time the two met, Minnesota were able to take down the Galaxy for the first time with a convincing 3-0 win. Minnesota will need remember what they learned about the Galaxy and carry over their momentum from their recent win against Sporting KC to make sure they take home all three points available on Sunday.
STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW
TRAPP MUZIK: Wil Trapp isn’t here for the glory. The man has been on the pitch for longer than any other MNUFC player this season (2,643 minutes as of this writing) and has amassed a grand total of one assist and one goal on 13 shots. Heck, Bakaye Dibassy has more shots than him (17). But he’s also attempted and completed more passes (1443/1655) than any other player at a higher percentage (87.2%) than all of the regular starters except for Osvaldo Alonso (91.2%). Trapp’s total includes 110 long balls, which is by far the most by any player not named Tyler Miller – Romain Metanire is second with 69. He’s also played 1,333 short passes, which is almost 350 more than Chase Gasper’s 993 in second and all season, he’s only committed 16 turnovers. Sixteen! In 2,643 minutes! That’s one turnover every 165.2 minutes. It all goes – along with his occasional captaincy of the side – to show how essential Trapp has made himself in the engine room in a season when his acquisition was overshadowed early on by the signings of forward Adrien Hunou and midfielder Franco Fragapane. Between him, Alonso, Hassani Dotson and the other holding midfielders who have gotten minutes this season, Minnesota United’s midfield has been in very good hands, and it wasn’t all that long ago that the center of midfield was an area of major concern for the club. Holding mids might not get the attention they deserve, but they’re a key piece for any club that wants to make it past Decision Day.
FIRST TOUCHES: Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has both the single-game team high for saves (6) and the single-game team high for goals allowed (3) in the series. His six saves came in LA’s 1-0 win in August while his three goals allowed came in their 3-0 loss in September.
PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:
Minnesota United
OUT:
Alonso – Suspended
McMaster – Thigh
QUESTIONABLE:
N/A
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