The theme from Minnesota United camp after its 3-2 loss to Portland last weekend has essentially been: we thought we played well enough to win; we need to stop having defensive lapses.
Or in other words, the precise zeitgeist of the Loons during the Adrian Heath era. Of primary concern coming out of last week’s loss was that Francisco Calvo, the club’s captain and arguably the team’s best defender, was heavily to blame for the first two goals conceded.
Calvo is clearly an uber-talented footballer when in possession of the ball, but his risque style can at times be too bold for a player playing in the center of defense. It’s cost the Loons goals on numerous occasions. With Costa Rica, Calvo’s national team, he will sometimes be utilized as a wide defender. But United head coach Adrian Heath said he doesn’t see that as an option.
“Not at all. He will stay where he is for now,” Heath said. “We want to keep [Michael Boxall] and he together. We feel as though since they’ve been together we’ve been a lot better.”
Everyone was expecting big things from Minnesota’s first-ever designated player signing Darwin Quintero, but even Heath has been surprised by how quickly he’s assimilated, saying he thought it would be two or three weeks before the Colombian really got going.
Now, Heath says the offense will run through the diminutive attacker.
“The important thing is we have to get him the ball as early and often as we can in and around the penalty area because he will make things happen,” Heath said.
Heath also gave a boost to striker Christian Ramirez, who has yet to score this season and is fighting off Abu Danladi for the starting forward position.
“Same thing [as Quintero]. I think from my point of view, if we can get enough balls in the box Christian looks likely to score,” Heath said.
Heath said he feels the only question is if his team can get enough possession on the ball to create those opportunities.
It appears it is too early to expect new signing Alexi Gomez to feature this weekend, Heath said. Tyrone Mears remains questionable with a calf injury. This combination of factors means it is exceedingly likely rookie Carter Manley could receive the start at right back against Seattle on Sunday.
