Positives
Alexi Gomez finding a new position and the 4-3-3 providing a different platform. It’s clear Gomez has explosive and useful attributes, but the question is where exactly he’ll fit into the team. Well, it appears Adrian Heath may have found a spot for the mercurial man at left back. This move solves a roster issue of depth at outside back and provides a nice potential boost on the offensive end. Heath seems to be warming to the 4-3-3 and it might be the answer to United’s defensive woes. The first two goals were arguably lucky — a world class strike from a defender and a free 1-on-1 with the keeper because a center back slipped at the vital moment.
Negatives
Committing the same mistakes again and again… slack defending in the midfield and in the final third, poor decision making from someone in the back four, getting a needless red card, squandering quality chances, not properly marking on an opposing corner kick; the list goes on and on. All the greatest hits were there Saturday night in Colorado.
Coach rating out of 10
6 — At times in this match it appeared Heath would be lauded for utilizing his second favorite formation — the 4-3-3 — as it was providing new ideas and new success for his team. But then the defense caved — a recurring issue that he’s never fixed — and one of his player’s lost their temper, something we’ve seen before as well. Heath’s decision to pack in and hold on for the draw also backfired.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 7 — Provided stability and a fierceness lacking in some of his teammates. He could do little about the first strike — a stunning top-corner hit — or the second when Brent Kallman slipped at the most inopportune time and allowed a free breakaway. Don’t even get me started on the third goal.
RB Tyrone Mears, 5 — Was largely anonymous throughout as he played minimal roles in both defending or pushing forward on the wing.
CB Brent Kallman, 4 — He’s getting chances with Francisco Calvo in Russia, but so far he’s underwhelmed and his performances are showing why Heath hasn’t considered him during the Costa Rican’s early-season struggles. It’s hard to criticize Kallman for the slip, but he appeared to be in over his head throughout the match, most notably while in possession.
CB Michael Boxall, 7 — Continues to show that he’s not the problem when it comes to the defense as all three goals happened under the watch of other defenders, including the other two center backs that featured — Kallman and Wyatt Omsberg.
LB Alexi Gomez, 8 — It was eyebrow-raising to see the Peruvian placed at outside back for the second consecutive game, this time as the starter. He performed admirably and it appears his skill set is well-suited to such a role.
CM Collen Warner, 5 — Was serviceable in the center of the park, but his considerable lack of speed provides opponents so much space and time in the midfield, which always seems to come home to roost.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 5 — It’s becoming clear that Schuller can be a cog in a successful or moderately successful team. He is not, however, a player that can raise the level of his team via his own impetus. If the boat is sinking, he’s going down with the ship.
CM Collin Martin, 4 — Utility player seems to be the best fit for Martin. MLS starter seems a bridge too far.
RW Miguel Ibarra, 6.5 — How do you rate a player who goes for what I’m calling the Diego Costa hat trick? One assist, one goal and a red card. Ibarra’s typical industry earned him a well-deserved hustle goal. His assist to Ramirez later on was picturesque. But for whatever reason, he took special offense to Colorado’s second equalizer and blew a gasket. He needlessly shoved a Rapids defender and struck him in the head, earning him the red card. It’s hard not to pin Colorado’s dramatic winning goal in the final minute on Minnesota being shorthanded.
LW Darwin Quintero, 8 — Continually popped in the most dangerous positions of anyone wearing a United kit, including when he played one of the passes of the season to Ibarra for the Loons’ second goal. It was also his semi-breakaway that led directly to Ibarra’s opening goal.
ST Christian Ramirez, 6 — Picked up solid positions throughout, but is clearly still not at his utmost sharpness this season when it comes to taking his chances.
Substitutes
CM Ibson, N/A
ST Mason Toye, N/A
CB Wyatt Omsberg, N/A
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