Positives
United won this game largely without much from Darwin Quintero. At times, Quintero’s performances do feel like the shtick “He put the team on his back.” But on Saturday he wasn’t at his best and the Loons weren’t fazed. It’s a credit to any team when they win convincingly without much help from their best player.
Negatives
Without a doubt, the starting XI came out flat to start this vital home match at TCF Bank Stadium. This would — and has — cost them goals numerous times in the past. Lucky for United, they were facing measly Montreal, now the only team in Major League Soccer with double-digit losses on the season.
Coach rating out of 10
8 — The manager got his team selection and tactics spot on. The partnerships through the spine of the team are crucial when United play well and credit for that must go partially go to Heath. But after a droopy first-half performance, the Loons came out on the front foot in the second half and it propelled them to the win — Heath’s halftime talk clearly provided a boost.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 7 — This rating is only as low as it is because of how minimally Shuttleworth was challenged on the night. Fitting that his team helped him get the shutout considering what he’s done the past few weeks.
RB Tyrone Mears, 7 — The Englishman was a welcome return to the lineup after many weeks out. He provided calmness both in-possession and defensively. Mears also added a verve going forward that was needed to help mount pressure on Montreal.
CB Michael Boxall, 8 — It felt like the New Zealander was flawless on the night, and as it turns out, the stats pretty much back that up. Though Boxall’s workload wasn’t overwhelming, he handled everything that came his way with poise. This has been building for some time as the 29-year-old has been providing solid performances for more than a month now.
CB Francisco Calvo, 7 — Played a robust game at center back and was crucial to the shutout. Some of his decision-making was heart pounding in the worst way at times though. Still, the captain will be missed while he’s away on World Cup duty.
LB Eric Miller, 5 — Did enough defensively but his passing and crossing left something to be desired.
CM Ibson, 8 — Last week in these rankings we highlighted how much the entire unit missed Ibson’s presence. Tonight’s match further confirmed that thesis as the Brazilian kept everything ticking across the pitch, particularly when it came to Minnesota’s possession.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 6 — Provided timely tackles throughout, but it would be beneficial to his team to see him add a bit more cutting edge in his forward passes.
RW Miguel Ibarra, 8 — His run of form continues and with aplomb. His left-footed curler to the seal the game and put Minnesota up 2-0 was majestic.
LW Alexi Gomez, 6 — Turned things around after a torrid first half performance riddled with turnovers and poor decisions. His second half was a different story as he provided his trademark jolts of pace or tricky going forward, which added variance to United’s attack.
CAM Darwin Quintero, 5 — One of his weaker performances in a Loons shirt. He appeared off the pace throughout for whatever particular reason and turned the ball over more than usual. He’s still magical, of that there is no doubt, but slightly concerning for United that his performances have been timid lately.
ST Christian Ramirez, 7 — Did his duty by just barely finishing off his prime chance of the game. But you can’t count those as lucky when they come from him, they happen with far too much regularity not to be skill. His touch was still uncharacteristically off in the early going and he and Quintero are still looking to make things fully click.
Substitutes
CM Collin Martin, N/A
ST Abu Danladi, N/A
W Frantz Pangop, N/A
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