MNUFC Blog: Second Preseason Game and More Squad Details Emerge

United continued its preseason foray Friday with its second preseason game, another 1-1 draw against NK Istra 1961.

A key takeaway was from the lineups — seen here:

The first half lineup screams provisional starting XI. The only stark omission being Kevin Venegas being usurped by MLS-veteran Jermaine Taylor at right back.

The rest of the lineup makes a lot of sense, with coach Adrian Heath employing a 4-3-3. I’ve reported in this space previously that we can likely expect a lone striker formation from the Englishman, be it a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or otherwise.

An attacking trident of Christian Ramirez, Miguel Ibarra and Kevin Molino almost writes itself onto the teamsheet and is a lineup that any longtime Loon fan would be in favor of seeing. What would be interesting is if Heath would employ such a conservative, err, pragmatic midfield trio. All three that started in the first half profile as holding midfielders to some degree. This will make it worth watching whether or not Heath ever chooses to employ a No. 10 and to what degree he allows Ibarra and/or Molino to positionally float.

Eugene Starikov is the only United player to score this preseason as he now has two goals. This will have the Minnesota coaching staff giving him a long, hard look but Heath said he’s not demanding a roster spot just yet, according to the Star Tribune.

The newspaper is also reporting that Bashkim Kadrii’s arrival to the team is imminent. As I wrote earlier this week, his highlights need to be seen to be believed. Dude can ball.

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