At times it feels as though if Minnesota United didn’t have bad luck, they’d have no luck at all. The Loons entered their clash with Houston on the back of a four-game losing streak and were dealt another devastating blow this week as starting right winger Ethan Finlay was diagnosed with an ACL tear and ruled out for the remainder of the season.
United is already without starting midfielder Kevin Molino for the rest of 2018 with the same injury. And then a third of the way into Saturday’s match, starting striker Christian Ramirez went down with what coach Adrian Heath later called a hamstring strain.
Despite all this, the Loons played one of their best games of the season against the Dynamo as they charged to 2-1 come-from-behind victory.
Positives
Roster depth. What stood out strikingly from this performance was the number of guys who seemingly punched above their weight on the night. Miguel Ibarra and Carter Manley provided solid performances while even the guys who got brief cameos — Collin Martin and Alexi Gomez — had a clear impact on the game.
Negatives
United still continue to make those head-scratching mistakes, both defensively and at the center of the park. In a night that holds a lot of positives for the Loons and their ability to come away with the win, you still feel like Houston’s inability to convert its chances was a major factor.
Coach rating out of 10
8 — You’ve got to give Heath credit as his switch to Bobby Shuttleworth over Matt Lampson was vital in this victory. Shuttleworth provided one of the saves of the season and Ibson went on to score the game-winner just a few moments later. Heath’s trust in Miguel Ibarra paid heavy dividends tonight as the diminutive winger was nearly flawless throughout. But above all else, it was Heath’s late change to the system that seem to put United into a higher gear when they needed it most. “It’s one of those moments that makes you feel as if you actually know what you’re doing,” Heath said.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 9 — Shuttleworth reminded everyone at TCF Bank Stadium why he won and kept the United starting job last season. He’s stunning save late in the second half was a major turning point. With that save alone Shuttleworth now has a stranglehold on the starting GK spot. He can do the miraculous.
RB Carter Manley, 7 — The rookie continues to impress. Though he may have partially been at fault for the goal and still had a few “rookie moments,” the Duke product performed admirably and, at minimum, has locked down a spot on the squad for now.
CB Michael Boxall, 5 — Houston’s gameplan was to attack the wings — the Dynamo are known for having two of the best outside midfielders in the league — which gave Calvo and Boxall a reprieve from dealing with balls played through the middle to a No. 9. Seems like clogging the middle maybe an adept defensive strategy going forward.
CB Francisco Calvo, 6 — Had a quiet game in a lot of different ways, which, as it turns out, is a good thing for Minnesota.
LB Jerome Thiesson, 6 — Solid and steady. Didn’t provide his usual offensive thrust, but was also rarely caught out of position.
CM Ibson, 7 — Minnesota’s wild card. In the first half, he nearly cost his team multiple goals with needless and silly giveaways in the center of midfield. In the second half, he scores his second-ever goal for the Loons with an outrageous back-heel. That goal turned out to be the game winner. He is confounding to say the least.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 7 — Continues to impress with his improvements on the defensive side of his game. Schuller consistently won possession back for United through tackles and interceptions, but poor distribution keeps his score from being higher.
RW Miguel Ibarra, 9 — He (essentially) had two assists on the night and my colleague David Naylor pointed out a fantastic stat: Ibarra completed 19 of 22 passes.
LW Sam Nicholson, 5 — For whatever reason Nicholson just did not appear to be at the races today for United. This is especially disappointing considering the recent injury to Finlay. Nicholson will be given the benefit of the doubt, but new signing Alexi Gomez is eyeing his place in the team.
CAM Darwin Quintero, 9 — It’s quickly becoming clear that not only is Quintero the best player Minnesota has to offer, but he might often be the best player on the pitch week-in and week-out depending on who the Loons are playing. He’s that good and provides electricity every time he touches the ball. Has now scored in both his United debut and his home debut.
ST Christian Ramirez, N/A — Ramirez went down with an apparent hamstring injury. Heath said the team will know more in the coming days. Ramirez had a lengthy hamstring injury last season as well.
Substitutes
ST Mason Toye, 7 — With fellow youngster Abu Danladi hobbled, the rookie was forced into action when Ramirez went down. The Indiana product performed well enough and created a fantastic chance for himself with a pretty solo run. He’s still incredibly raw, but this night proves United can score and win with him on the pitch. Heath was clearly concerned with his sudden lack of striker depth, but Toye is showing he could be serviceable early on.
CM Collin Martin, 6 — Showed impressive composure considering his extremely limited minutes thus far this season. Was arguably the key substitution that altered United’s fortune. His contribution was such that Heath said he’s considering tweaking his system of play — something Heath almost never does.
LM Alexi Gomez, N/A — Made his debut by coming on for Ibson in the 78’.
