Preview: Loons try to get back in the win column against the Revolution

Coming off a close loss to the Galaxy, Minnesota United sits at 2-0-1 and in 5th place in the Western Conference. Those hard earned 6 points came from two wins in a row on the road. The loss against the Galaxy was tough as the Loons were down 2-0 at half, but managed to make it interesting before losing 3-2.

Over the first three games, Minnesota has shown tremendous growth on both ends of the pitch. The New England Revolution have yet to win a game this season, so this game will a good way for the Loons to get back on track.

What To Expect From The Loons

Last week against the Los Angeles Galaxy, defense was Minnesota’s main struggle. The spacing was confusing and the LA Galaxy got off easy shots and even easier passes. On offense, too many time the forwards did not have enough help when making a push and it made shot opportunities difficult.

Minnesota United needs to take advantage of New England’s defensive struggles and put themselves in a position to score. Darwin Quintero and Romario Ibarra have been the offensive leaders all season, scoring three goals between the two of them. Look for them to get good looks for shots, but it all comes down to putting the ball in the net. Other players need to push up the field when the forwards have the ball to create more opportunities and take some pressure off.

The Loons defenders need to stay in their zones and close the gaps they left open against the Galaxy. New England is only averaging one goal per game, and Minnesota gives up one goal per game on average. The Loons need to keep New England on their toes and not let them get open looks.

New England is desperate for a win. Brad Friedel, the coach for the Revolution has questioned the team’s effort after they went scoreless against FC Cincinnati. What does this mean for the Loons? This could be a trap game. The Loons need to go into this game like any other and play hard for 90+ minutes.

United’s injury report is relatively clean. Rasmus Schuller (leg) and Chase Gasper (hamstring) are both out, while Kevin Molino (ACL)’s return looks to be getting closer as he is upgraded to questionable.

Match Details

• Time: Saturday, March 30th at 1:00 PM (Central)
• Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA
• TV/Radio: Fox Sports North+ & Skor North

Tim C McLaughlin

Our Predictions

Here at E Pluribus Loonum, we consider ourselves somewhat of experts on Loons (the soccer team and the bird). Here are our opinions are the results of the game:

Alex Crawford: 2-1 Loons with a goal from Darwin Quintero & Ethan Finlay.

Jacob Schneider: 1-0 Loons with a goal from Finlay.

Eli Hoff: 2-0 Loons. Romain Metanire & Angelo Rodriguez will net one each.

Zak Lippert: 3-1 Loons with goals from Miguel Ibarra and Rasmus Schuller.

Gustavo Navarrete: 2-0 Loons. Quintero & Ibarra both find the back of the net.

John Stephenson: 1-1 Draw, Romario scores. (If he plays).

Judson Lohman: 1-2 Revolution. Based of ghosts of seasons past.

Ashle Norling: 3-1 Loons.

Tim McLaughlin: 1-1 Loons.

Colin O’Donnell: 2-1 Loons.