Minnesota United entered Saturday’s match with a new slew of injuries to add to an already decimated roster. But once again, against the odds, the Loons carved out a win at TCF Bank Stadium, defeating Vancouver 1-0.
It was United that made things even more difficult for themselves when Mason Toye was sent off with a red card in the 50th minute. United showed a resolve thereafter, though; that is becoming a trend and it led them to an impressive victory.
With the win, the Loons are currently tied for fourth place in the Western Conference.
Positives
Adrian Heath is arguably the standout performer during this two-game winning streak. Heath’s teams have been dealing with adversity and been unbelievably shorthanded on top of that, yet they’ve suddenly won in back-to-back games. He’s making great lineup decisions, but even more impressive have been his late-game adjustments.
Negatives
Self-inflicted wounds. Even when their not getting injured or shooting themselves in the foot by allowing early goals, the Loons find a way to make things more difficult. Toye’s red card was the last thing United needed and Adrian Heath will have to have a stern talk with his youngest player.
Coach rating out of 10
9 — Given what’s going on around this team, the fact that Adrian Heath has managed his side to another home win and a 3-1 home record is objectively impressive. Heath is also starting to get the best out of pairings (Calvo-Boxall, Ibson-Schuller) that he’s fostered for some time as well as some individuals (Ibarra, Shuttleworth).
The last two fixtures have also seen Heath have to make dramatic late-game changes to his formation, both of which have come off stupendously well. These are the types of moves that vault managers to a higher echelon if they continue.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 8 — Brilliant again. His save on Brek Shea in the waning moments mirrored his stunning save last week in terms of importance. Shuttleworth is a solid MLS goalkeeper, but he appears to have one game-changing save in his back pocket each week — incredibly valuable, especially to this team.
RB Jerome Thiesson, 6 — He wasn’t able to overlap to great effect as he would have liked, but provided calm at the back whenever the Loons tried to pass out. This was especially valuable late on when United was holding on to the 1-0 lead.
CB Michael Boxall, 5 — Was never fully caught out, but appeared to be the weakest link in the chain.
CB Francisco Calvo, 8 — This is the Calvo Loons fans know and love. Everything he tried today came off, his positioning was key for numerous clearances and his distribution was well above-average for his position.
LB Eric Miller, 6 — It was surprising to see him in the starting XI after only being acquired a few days prior. But Miller is an experienced MLS veteran and he performed his defensive duties as such.
CM Ibson, 7 — It’s days like this that make you double check the Brazilians age. The 34-year-old never seemed to tire, even after his team went down to 10 men. He provided numerous key passes to maintain possession late on when United needed it most.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 7 — Worked tirelessly to maintain the team’s shape and provide the defense buttress needed behind Ibson.
RW Miguel Ibarra, 8 — Continues to provide solid performances with minimal flair. Did fantastically well to get on the end of Gomez’s peach of a cross and even better to finish it off after the keeper blocked his initial shot.
LW Alexi Gomez, 8 — A quality, old-fashioned winger performance from one of United’s newbies. Gomez was never afraid to dribble and was willing to take the risks that few on this team will to get the ball in the box. It might be hyperbole, but this performance alone eases any concerns that the Sam Nicholson trade was a mistake.
CAM Darwin Quintero, 7 — Was his usual dynamic self in spurts, but the Whitecaps were attune to his threat and smothered him out numerous times. It’ll be interesting to see how the Quintero and the Loon’s adapt when teams gameplan to eliminate him.
ST Mason Toye, 3 — Struggled to find any of the ball throughout the game as the young striker felt hopelessly isolated. His needless red card put his team in an incredibly difficult position.
Substitutes
CM Collin Martin, N/A
CB Wyatt Omsberg, N/A
LB Carter Manley, N/A
