Minnesota United scrapped to earn a point against Sporting Kansas City in a 1-1 draw at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday.
The Loons were without midfield maestro Ibson and SKC pressed throughout the match. Sporting scored early — an eighth-minute header from Khiry Shelton — but after that Bobby Shuttleworth and the defense held strong, earning United a valuable point.
“I think we gutted it out,” Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath said. “It’s a point against the best team in the league, so we have to be pleased with that.“
Positives
A couple flowing moves toward the end of the match meant it was easily conceivable United could have snatched all three points from the mighty Sporting KC. The offense — heavily led by Darwin Quintero — continues to exhibit its ability to create chances against any and all opponents.
Negatives
Ibson’s absence made it clear to see how much this team relies on his distribution and other attributes. Schuller struggled to cope without him and when United doesn’t possess the ball well, it is forced to rely on its suspect defense, which feels like a recipe for disaster.
Coach rating out of 10
7 — Anytime you earn points off the best team in the league that’s a major plus. That said, Heath was playing with fire in the second half as Sporting was barreling down the pressure, creating countless chances. The United manager seemed slow to make any adjustments and when he did — bringing on Maximiano — it was underwhelming and ineffective.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 9 — It’s amazing how his stellar play can provide confidence throughout the team and especially into the defense. This game was another display of his immense value to the Loons. SKC had 24 shots and 10 on target, but from a Minnesota perspective, you never felt overly concerned because you knew it would take a sublime effort to beat the in-form keeper. Heath must be delighted.
RB Eric Miller, 6 — The entire backline deserves credit for limiting the league leaders to only one goal. Miller also provided a few good forays forward.
CB Michael Boxall, 7 — Boxall has slowly begun to show more and more confidence. He continues to provide consistent performances of late and can be relied on to go against the most physical of opposition opponents.
CB Francisco Calvo, 6 — It must be said that it was his mark who scored Sporting’s only goal of the game when he beat Calvo to the corner kick service. But other than that, Calvo put in a commendable performance defensively while also provide splendid distribution from the backline. He played defensive midfield late on when Schuller went off injured and he looked fantastic. It will be surprising if Heath doesn’t come to his senses and try Calvo in the center of the park from the start sooner rather than later.
LB Jerome Thiesson, 6 — A bend but don’t break performance from Thiesson. He often has to mark dangerous opponents and Sunday was no different, going against Johnny Russell. Russell was able to create numerous chances but no goals ever came of it.
CM Collin Martin, 4 — It was an unfortunate performance from the 23-year-old who had been building a bit of positive momentum thus far this season. With Ibson out (quad strain), this was his chance to earn more minutes, but he struggled throughout and was overwhelmed by the intense pressure put on by SKC.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 5 — Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. It was clear from Ibson’s absence that among his primary contributions to the Loons are possession retention and helping the team build out to get forward. Schuller struggled to carry this responsibly without his usual Brazilian counterpart.
RW Miguel Ibarra, 7 — Continues to play smart and pump performances with minimal errors. He won’t amaze with his skill, but his tireless work ethic and timely deliveries are key for United. No surprise that it was his cross that led to United’s goal.
LW Alexi Gomez, 5 — His speed and dribbling skills are clear to see, but his lack of passing acumen and turnovers are becoming a bit concerning. Good to see Heath finally give Danladi a chance on the wing by bringing him on for Gomez in the second half — if Danladi can stay healthy this position will very much be up for competition.
CAM Darwin Quintero, 8 — It’s amazing what the Colombian can create on his own each and every game. Sporting’s pressing overwhelmed the center midfield partnership of Martin-Schuller, which put further pressure on Quintero and it showed as he tired in the game’s latter stages.
ST Christian Ramirez, 6 — Again provided the point of attack that United needs up top and possibly had a goal incorrectly ruled offside. He’s still not reached his top form, but it appears he’ll be the starter going forward and has solidified what, at times, has been a muddled striking picture for United.
Substitutes
CM Maximiano, 3 — Was clearly off the pace and seemed to turn the ball over every time he found himself in possession.
LW Abu Danladi, N/A — Provided an element of top speed no one else on the team can. Heath will be pleased to have him as an option once again provided the young Ghanian can stay healthy.
CB Brent Kallman, N/A
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