Player Ratings: An Ugly Loss Haunts Heath and Co.

Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA Today Sports)

Minnesota United dropped an embarrassing game on its home field by a 2-0 score against a struggling Colorado team that featured a pair of VAR overturns and a skirmish at the end.

Here are the player ratings.

Positives

None.

Negatives

Losing to the most out-of-form MLS team. The Rapids entered this game on a nine-match winless streak, and during that time they were outscored 22-1.

Coach Rating Out of 10

2 — Under Adrian Heath this season, not only has Minnesota United lost to each of the bottom three teams in the Western Conference, but they’ve done so multiple times. The Loons have been defeated twice by conference punching bags Houston Dynamo, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes this campaign. Add in United’s abhorrent road record (1-13-2), and it’s seemingly clear that Heath has a motivational problem. I’m not sure which is more concerning: that he can’t rile them up properly for each week’s match or that he doesn’t have a proper read on his players.

“The last couple of performances have been really disappointing. I can’t deny that,” Heath said. “We know that we need to add to the core group that we like and make us better. That’s what today will do. There will be some time for reflection come the end of the season to decide which way we’ll go. Obviously there will be changes, because that’s the nature of the game. And we need to do that to get better.”

Player Ratings (1-10 — 10 = Best)
*Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating.

GK Matt Lampson, 6 — Could do absolutely nothing to stop either goal from occurring. Looked capable throughout.

RB Eric Miller, 7 — Amidst a miserable outcome, Miller somehow managed to provide arguably his best showing as a Loon. The 25-year-old Woodbury High School alum served in a number of dangerous crosses and was among the focal points when United pressed forward effectively later on.    

CB Michael Boxall, 4 — It really wasn’t defensive frailty that cost United this ugly loss, however, Boxall was certainly complicit on the second tally.

CB Brent Kallman, 5 — Fought valiantly throughout the match, but too rarely have his teammates brought the same amount of earnest.

LB Marc Burch, 3 — Played his role while going against his former side. But at 34 years old, it’s hard to imagine the veteran left back donning a United kit next year.

CDM Fernando Bob, 6 — Clever and efficient on the ball. His form will be vital to United come next season.

CDM Maximiano, 5 — Limited the Colorado midfield from ever really bossing the game.

LM Alexi Gomez, 3 — The upside is there, but his downside is just as consistently present. It’s a rare occasion that he doesn’t feel like a net negative for his team. Sources have revealed to Zone Coverage that it’s unlikely he’ll be retained going into next season.

RM Miguel Ibarra, 6 — Incredibly unlucky not to come away from this match with two assists; one gilt-edged chance was whiffed on by Darwin, the other ruled offside during the build up.

CAM Darwin Quintero, 7 — Played at a high level and was unfortunate to have his superbly-taken goal disallowed. The Minnesota United front office desperately needs to find him help this offseason.

ST Angelo Rodriguez, 2 — This was perhaps the ideal match for the anti-Angelo portion of the fanbase. The Colombian No. 9 was given a plethora of service in the second half, but not only did he fail to convert, rarely did he appear close to coming away with a goal. Also, was the culprit for offsides calls that disallowed both of United’s goals.

Substitutes

LM Frantz Pangop, 5 — It’s a mystery as to why Pangop’s chances have been so few and far between. Appeared solid whenever in play.

CM Ibson, N/A

ST Mason Toye, N/A — Brought on with one minute left in extra time. Really?


Become a Zone Coverage Member Today!

Loons Low on Players and Goal-Scoring During Busy Week
By David Naylor - Aug 17, 2021
Brent Kallman Has Stepped Up When He’s Needed To
By Jacob Schneider - Aug 9, 2021

MNUFC's Winning Ways Have Them Buzzing Heading Into Clash With Vancouver

Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA Today Sports)

They left it late, but a stunning comeback from Minnesota United saw them steal a point against Los Angeles FC Wednesday evening at Banc Of California Stadium […]

Continue Reading