Player Ratings: Quintero Shoulders the Loons’ Load Again

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

MNUFC vs. Real Salt Lake

Positives

Designated players. Minnesota United could be renamed the Darwin Quinteros and, honestly, no one could really have an argument against it. The Colombian is the team’s best player by a mile and Saturday’s match against Real Salt Lake was the embodiment of that: United scored three goals on the night. Quintero tallied one for himself and set up the other two.

Negatives

Becoming complacent. Moments after the match, Adrian Heath was interviewed about the victory, but you would have thought his team had lost. Heath was furious and rightly so. Real Salt Lake was dead and buried only for Minnesota to gift it opportunities to get back in the game. Quintero and the new formation continue to paper over the cracks, but it doesn’t mean the cracks don’t still exist. Reportedly Heath told the players after the game, “You think you’re good enough to switch off in this league? You’re not.”

Coach rating out of 10

8 — Heath deserves continuous plaudits for his adjustment in recent weeks to the 3-5-2 formation as it continues to pay dividends. It will be quite interesting to see how the Englishman assembles his team with two new signings, including the club’s second-ever designated player entering the fold in the coming days.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 8 — Even when the game was seemingly in the bag at 3-0, Shuttleworth made numerous noteworthy saves and was likely the team’s second most valuable player in the match. It’s not often that you can question Shuttleworth’s effort on a goal allowed but RSL’s first goal, a direct free kick from just outside the box, was among the few this season in that category as it seemed as though he maybe could have gotten a hand to it.

CB Francisco Calvo, 7 — He is among those who benefit the most from the team’s new shape. The Costa Rican took advantage of his newfound freedom to take more chances when he exploded upfield in the second half and made a brilliant run and pass to assist Quintero’s goal.

Jul 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo (5) hugs midfielder Ibson (7) after the game against Real Salt Lake at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

CB Brent Kallman, 6 — Made timely interventions and didn’t try to take chances passing forward unless he was certain. It’s exactly what is needed from him.

CB Michael Boxall, 6 — Had minimal involvement in any of the goals allowed.

RWB Miguel Ibarra, 8 — His fitness is his greatest strength and he utilizes it so well. It suits the formation and makes him a terrific wingback. His goal was a perfect example of his intelligence, too, as he timed his run to perfection and kept running with others wouldn’t.

Jul 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) celebrates his goal in the second half against Real Salt Lake at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

LWB Alexi Gomez, 6 — Nearly an identical performance to his counterpart Ibarra, but with more errant passes.

CM Collen Warner, 5 — What’s becoming clear, at least in recent matches, is that the new formation also allows United to bypass the midfield more often. In other words, this is not a resounding endorsement of Warner and the team’s other center mid not named Ibson. Warner’s experience, though, is starting to show through as he does enough to keep play churning when United are possessing.

CM Ibson, 7 — Continues to be the team’s best central midfielder — even at the age of 34. It’s so clear when Ibson is up for a performance compared to when he’s not. On Saturday he was flowing and added his third goal of the season with a brilliantly timed run.

Jul 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Ibson (7) celebrates his goal in the second half against Real Salt Lake at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

CM Rasmus Schuller, 5 — A bit curious that he was substituted off while the team was protecting a lead considering some of his best traits are defensive.

ST Darwin Quintero, 9 — Would you be surprised if I told you he had a hand in every Loons goal? Of course not. The Scientist is an expert in ball physics. He also appears to be earning his masters in (team) chemistry as he’s now second on the team with four assists. You’d have to think that when he performs like this it also provides the team with the residual effect of believing they can win any game.

ST Christian Ramirez, 4  — Well, this has gotten interesting. Ramirez was flat out poor in front of goal on Saturday and it’s getting harder and harder to defend his poor form this season. His hold up play was stellar, but he offered little beyond that. Now, add in the fact that the club just signed a striker as its second designated player in franchise history. The writing appears to be on the wall: Ramirez’s playing time could be seeing a stark decline.


Become a Zone Coverage Member Today!

Loons Low on Players and Goal-Scoring During Busy Week
By David Naylor - Aug 17, 2021
Brent Kallman Has Stepped Up When He’s Needed To
By Jacob Schneider - Aug 9, 2021

MNUFC's Winning Ways Have Them Buzzing Heading Into Clash With Vancouver

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

They left it late, but a stunning comeback from Minnesota United saw them steal a point against Los Angeles FC Wednesday evening at Banc Of California Stadium […]

Continue Reading