Player Ratings: Darwin Has Arrived

Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

In what has become the typical Minnesota United roller coaster style, the Loons lost out to the Portland Timbers Saturday night 3-2 in a game that had numerous ups and downs. Portland entered the game winless on the season, but had also been forced to play its first five games on the road. Meanwhile, United entered on a two-game scoreless streak, hoping mightily that their new designated player could alter that trend. And boy, did he.

Positives

Darwin. Quintero. The Colombian showed exactly what a designated player should look like and how much having someone that dynamic can ripple throughout the team. It’s honestly hard to picture how much better his debut could have gone because the 30-year-old checked every logistical box the Loons would have hoped:

  1. Can take on and beat defenders 1v1.
  2. Fill the No. 10 role.
  3. Link up play.
  4. Serve accurate dead balls.
  5. Create chances for himself.
  6. Create chances for others.
  7. Score goals.

Negatives

It’s obvious to everyone. This defense continues to be a major liability. If Quintero continues to amplify the offense to another level like he did Saturday, then the defense runs the risk of being the dead weight that holds this team down. After the game head coach Adrian Heath didn’t mince words, saying his defense gave up “crap goals.”

Coach rating out of 10

6 — I’m fair when it comes to players shouldering their weight, but Heath has to take responsibility here for his lineup decisions, well, one in particular: Marc Burch. It was evident two weeks ago when Burch was forced into the lineup due to injuries to others, that the 33-year-old simply doesn’t have the legs anymore. Burch’s technical ability with the ball is still where it needs to be, but his speed or lack thereof is an apparent Achilles heel. Heath should have been well aware of this and not used him. He did, however, and Burch was walked around multiple times in the first half, including the opening goal, which put Minnesota at a disadvantage they could never fully recover from.

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

GK Matt Lampson, 5 — Was left out to dry on all three goal efforts, so it’s difficult for any of the blame to stick to him.

RB Jerome Thiesson, 7 — Assisted the offense by overlapping when he could and, as he often does, provided some quality crosses when called upon.

CB Michael Boxall, 6 — Played his role fairly well on the night and didn’t allow himself to be caught out of position on more than one or two occasions.

CB Francisco Calvo, 2 — Remember those “crap” goals Heath mentioned? Well, Calvo, the club captain, was heavily at fault for both of Timbers first two goals. Calvo allowed himself to get turned inside out for the first and even more worryingly, appeared disinterested in attending to a dangerous cross coming right to his mark for the second. Mistakes happen, but it’s always more concerning when it’s the team’s appointed leader who is at fault.   

LB Marc Burch, 2 — Not much more needs to be said. Heath clearly saw it the same way as he felt the need to bring the rookie Carter Manley on in his place at the half.

CM Ibson, 7 — The Brazilian and Schuller were two of the team’s best performers on the night and they continue to show they could be a source of strength. Ibson had a few sublime moments (the early through ball to Finlay) and some less so (the late tackle that burned lots of clock in the waning moments).

CM Rasmus Schuller, 7 — It’s still hard to believe this is the same guy who was on the Minnesota roster last season. Schuller is growing into his role alongside Ibson well and his passing is some of United’s best. He can get overrun in the midfield by speed, but on this night he was a key cog for an offense that was buzzing at times.

RW Ethan Finlay, 6 — Was his usually lively self in spurts, but couldn’t seem to find a way to effect the game consistently. Also, missed a clear chance from a few yards out at a crucial time.

LW Miguel Ibarra, 6 — Maintained a good standard throughout the game and made minimal mistakes. Even when he plays pretty well, you still find yourself asking if he could do more. Also, partially culpable for the first goal as he should be assisting Burch in his defensive duties.   

CAM Darwin Quintero, 9 — As previously mentioned, he was fantastic. It’s startling that he was able to have such an influential impact considering he was playing in a new league and a new team for the first time. It speaks to his skill level, but also to how his mental approach to the game, which appears to be elite too.

ST Christian Ramirez, 7  By far his best performance of the season. It’s clear Ramirez hasn’t simply “lost it” and he is still the technical maven we knew. This was the first game where United actually tried to force feed him and, not shockingly, he was able to have much more of an impact on the game as a result.

Substitutes

RB Carter Manley, 6 — Came on for Marc Burch at halftime. Showed what he showed in his first career start a few weeks ago: he can handle himself and doesn’t drag the team down. Which begs the question, why didn’t Heath start him over Burch to begin with?

ST Abu Danladi, N/A — Came on for Ramirez in the 76’.

LW Sam Nicholson, N/A — Came on for Ibarra in the 85’.


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