Playing without star man Darwin Quintero, Minnesota United fell 2-0 to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night.
The result followed a prevailing theme for the Loons as they have now lost 11 road games, most in Major League Soccer.
United was lackluster throughout the first two thirds of the match, eventually allowing two goals early in the second half. Only when their backs were firmly against the wall did United throw caution to the wind and flow forward in attack.
It was too bad it took the Loons so long because when they did press up the field, they did so with menace. Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia was forced to make eight saves on the night.
“There are levels of performance that you accept even when you lose games,” Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath said. “Tonight was one of those nights. We had the best chances. It is the oldest saying in football that goals change games. They scored at really important times. That was the disappointment because I don’t think they had to work hard enough for their two goals.”
Positives
Abu Danladi. The second-year man has brought electricity every time he’s featured for United this season and his role will likely increase given the departure of Christian Ramirez. But the odd thing is Heath hasn’t necessarily thrust Danladi into a starring role since the trade, seemingly worried to risk his injury prone youngster, and the team is worse for it.
Negatives
Heath’s apathy for change. It so clear what Minnesota are doing on the road this season is failing miserably. Yet Heath stands on the sidelines in the same collared shirt, trudging out the same old starting XI. You’d think Heath would want to try something desperate to change his team’s fortune or maybe send a message to his players that complacency will not stand here. But it goes beyond the players, as the systems in place by Heath and the conservative nature of his decisions cripple the team before the match even begins.
Coach Rating (Out of 10)
2 — There’s no doubt that Heath is dealing with a weak hand of cards, particularly considering his ace Quintero has succumbed to injury. Nevertheless, the way he persists on setting up his team is woefully unhelpful. The team is weak defensively yet he sets them up in a shape that leans on their astuteness in repelling; this is certainly contradictory. His midfield time and again provides minimal impetus yet he continues with the same trio, two of which are evidently on the wrong side of 30.
In attack, no one seems to be clear how high or how aggressively they want to push up, which is inexplicable from a professional outfit. The results speak for themselves. What’s more, the way these games on the road play out speaks volumes. They’re all the same drudging crawl to an inevitable defeat that onlookers can see coming from a mile away.
Player Ratings (1-10 — 10 = Best)
*Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating
GK Bobby Shuttleworth, 4 — Had little to do for much of the match. The two goals he did allow were nearly identical: a striker quickly turned inside the penalty box and took a quick strike from about 10 yards away. Neither were tucked directly in the corner so you must deduct points from Bobby, but one also must consider the close proximity of the strikes.
CB Francisco Calvo, 4 — Kept to himself apart for a few decent tackles. Picked up a yellow that will see him suspended for United’s next match.
CB Brent Kallman, 5 — Couldn’t be faulted for either goal conceded and remained fairly tidy in possession.
CB Michael Boxall, 3 — Was the man turned inside out for Sporting KC’s opening goal. He too picked up a caution, which will see him suspended due to yellow card accumulation for the team’s next match.
RWB Miguel Ibarra, 4 — He, much like Christian Ramirez, is a type of player who can be a functioning cog in a well-oiled machine, but can rarely churn the motor himself.
LWB Eric Miller, N/A — Subbed off after appearing to injure his hamstring in the 33rd minute.
CM Collen Warner, 3 — Had little effect on the game in any regard, and that’s precisely the problem with Minnesota’s midfield these days.
CM Ibson, 6 — The Brazilian was lively tonight and tried to take on his team’s onus entirely. He ultimately failed to actually thrust the team forward, though it wasn’t for the lack of trying. His shot off the crossbar was United’s closest scoring chance.
CM Rasmus Schuller, 6 — Has been a model of consistency throughout this season and played his role well considering the lackluster efforts around him. He appears to be among those that will retain their place when United is full strength come next season.
ST Mason Toye, 3 — The rookie’s performance mirrored pretty much all of his performances this season: he brought energy and looked lively; looked dangerous at times but ultimately couldn’t produce anything; the team looked better once he was removed.
ST Ángelo Rodríguez, 5 — As I said on last week’s Minnesota Soccer Podcast, it is so difficult to judge Angelo’s performances considering the abhorrent team structure that is around him at present. This is particularly an issue since Quintero has been forced to miss the last two games due to a calf injury.
Substitutes
LWB Jerome Thiesson, 5 — Came on for Miller in the first half. This was the first time back for Thiesson in a number of months. The rust was definitely apparent for the Swiss man, but his quality will show through once he gets back to full match fitness.
ST Abu Danladi, 7 — Looked menacing as soon as he came on the pitch and at this moment in time is certainly one of United’s best players. It’s unclear why Heath is utilizing him only as a substitute.
LM Romario Ibarra, 6 — Provided good verve in attack after being introduced. Should see more regular minutes.
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