Positives
Substitutes. Based on their recent performances it was clear who the difference makers off the bench could be for Minnesota. Romario Ibarra has shown to be an explosive dribbler and Abu Danladi nearly won rookie of the year last season. Both have looked sharp in their limited action this season and tonight proved why the duo should find the field more often.
Negatives
Defensive lapses. They’ve returned! This effort was reminiscent of the United of last year, particularly the second goal allowed. Rasmus Schuller has no help in pressuring the ball and eventually let his mark run by him, Eric Miller failed to properly assess that the ball carrier was the most dangerous player and Francisco Calvo was woefully out of position and tortoise-like when moving to cover the open lane, leading Los Angeles to score one of the simplest goals you’ll ever see in a professional soccer match.
Coach rating out of 10
6 — Made the decisive decision on the night by bringing on Romario Ibarra and Abu Danladi. The pair of substitutes combined brilliantly to score the equalizer and secure United earning the draw and a valuable away point. But you still worry that he’s too slow to adapt when his team needs a shift in gears.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 6 — Repelled a few quality attempts from the Galaxy, including a few from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and kept United in the game.
CB Francisco Calvo, 4 — Unnecessarily put his team under added pressure by earning a late red card. That being said, it was among the softest second yellows you’ll ever see.
CB Brent Kallman, 6 — Was seemingly unfazed to be facing off against one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game. The Woodbury native defended well and was often in the right position when crosses came into the box.
CB Michael Boxall, 8 — Finished a cross by Darwin Quintero superbly for his first ever goal for the club. Also, aided in putting Ibrahimovic a bit off his game at times by being extra physical with the Swedish superstar.
RWB Miguel Ibarra, 6 — Another fairly quiet performance from Miguel, who has cooled as of late. But interestingly, Miguel actually serves as an accurate barometer for how United are doing on a given night: if he’s involved consistently going forward, the Loons play well; if he’s stuck defending for a majority of the game, then it’s a sign Minnesota is struggling.
LWB Eric Miller, 2 — The decision to play him over Alexi Gomez made sense: against a stacked offensive unit, play the out-and-out defender. Unfortunately, Miller struggled to have a positive impression on the match and was heavily culpable during United’s worst defensive breakdown.
CM Collen Warner, 3 — Warner has provided a calmness in the center of the park as of late with his passing, but as I’ve written in the space before, his lack of pace leaves United extremely vulnerable at times and this was never more evident than in seventh minuted when Romain Alessandrini left him for dead and scored a stunning long-distance goal.
CM Ibson, 5 — Does a great job to make himself available as much as possible to his teammates. Still would like to see him provide a few more killer passes or game-changing plays, which have been a bit few and far between as of late.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 6 — It’s becoming more and more evident than Schuller is quietly one of the most important players on this team. Does the dirty work defensively — that Ibson doesn’t want to do and Warner is incapable of — and makes a lot subtle, yet important passes.
ST Darwin Quintero, 7 — Provided a classy assist on Boxall’s header, but for much of the night was unable to create his normal amount of havoc.
ST Ángelo Rodríguez, 7 — Not quite as stellar a performance as his debut, but it’s clear what the Colombian brings up: strength, power, hold up play and a relentless work ethic. Neither game has he been flooded with service, so his most important attribute — finishing — is still yet to be seen. But considering the money United is paying him, you’d imagine it’s well-endowed.
Substitutes
LM Romario Ibarra, 7 — Help provide the attacking width United needed all evening. Smashed home his chance with aplomb.
ST Abu Danladi, 8 — Looked especially sharp as soon as he hit the pitch. Made a key run and provided a sublime cross for the game-tying goal. Surely Heath has to find a way to play him more.
Become a Zone Coverage Member Today!
