With maybe the quote of the early season, Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath scoffed at the idea of Orlando City having faced adversity this season because of few injuries, replying instead how many new signings they’ve acquired.
“Well, I’d like to have their adversity where they brought 13 new players in,” Heath said. “That’d be a nice piece of adversity to deal with. Don’t you think?”
Heath’s tone was key and you can see it for yourself in the video above. The poignant nature of the soundbite is that it sums up the frustration for everyone involved with MNUFC, including the fans: Why haven’t we brought in more bodies? If coach is willing to voice his frustration about it publicly, you can only imagine what’s going on behind the scenes.
For Heath, United’s lack of moves is in stark contrast to Orlando’s potent offseason.
“I think they’ve had the best offseason of anyone in MLS,” Heath said. “They’ve bought 13 new players, 7 or 8 of which go directly into the first team. That means the guys that were in the team last year will go on the bench now so their depth is going to be strong as anyone else’s this season.”
Heath’s emotions are likely riding higher this weak as the Loon’s will face his former side Orlando City on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. It’s the first time Heath and star midfielder Kevin Molino will return to Florida since their time there.
Molino left Orlando in part because Heath wanted to acquire him but also because the Trinidad and Tobago international felt he needed a change of scenery after discussing his fit at the club.
“We had a discussion and it didn’t go well,” Molino said. “But I had a really good time there, as I always say. I will always have a tremendous amount of love for that club and what they’ve done for me.”
Last season, Orlando visited TCF Bank Stadium in the only matchup between the two side. Minnesota prevailed with a 1-0 victory in the midst of an intense atmosphere. Heath, who is normally aggressive with his post-match gesticulations, was especially so after beating his former side.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Heath said. “You spend the best part of seven years, going to bed thinking about a club, waking up thinking about it, wondering what we can do to keep elevating it… it becomes more than wins and losses and that’s what it was.”
Christian Ramirez appeared to roll his ankle badly last week versus San Jose, but he finished the match. Heath said he will be a game time decision “but we’re hopeful.” As expected, Heath said Abu Danladi is doubtful (hamstring).
Heath said if Ramirez is unable to then rookie Mason Toye will start. Is the rookie ready to start this quickly? “He’ll have to be,” Heath said. “I’ve spoke to Mason, when you’re a young kid sometimes you don’t expect your chance to come along. If it does, it’s an incredible opportunity to actually take it. Show people you can play at that level. If Christian doesn’t go, Mason will start.”
Heath maintained his preseason belief that the team is “in a better place” than it was at this time last year. He said the defensive woes last weekend were more individual mistakes than team mistakes.
“The one thing I was really determined, and we’ve spoke to the players about this year, is don’t beat ourselves. Football is hard enough as it is. But make the opposition actually beat you rather than giving opportunities. And that’s something we’ve spoke about,” Heath said. “It wasn’t the shape, it was individual errors and we’ve got to cut that out. If we don’t cut the individual error out then eventually you change the personnel.
