Recap: Loons fall in New England

In their fourth match of the season, Minnesota United (2-2) fell to the previously winless New England Revolution (1-4). The Revs topped the Loons 2-1 courtesy of a second half goal from former Minneapolis City FC player, Brandon Bye.

Adrian Heath made two changes to the starting XI this week, with Ethan Finlay sliding in for the injured Rasmus Schuller and Angelo Rodriguez playing up top at striker in place of Romario Ibarra. Neither of the replaced were in the 18 for Minnesota.

The Loons started the game fairly well, controlling the first five minutes of the match by stringing passes together in the midfield while finding two offensive runs up top as well. However, in a familiar fashion, they conceded early on in what was deemed as a “rebound game.” Jalil Anibaba headed home a goal for the Revolution in the 10th minute of action, beating Opara and Metanire on the far post to create an open space. His header hit the hand of goalkeeper Vito Mannone, but the Italian wasn’t in the right position to keep the ball out of the net.

Darwin Quintero then scored a penalty in the 25th minute after VAR awarded it due to a handball in the box.

The revolution came out of the second half with fire in their eyes, while the Loons just seemed to lay back and defend. A very lackluster performance from the whole team out of the gates allowed Brandon Bye to slot home a cross on the back post in the 62nd minute for the Revs, which ended up being the game winner.

Francisco Calvo and Michael Boxall were both caught in no mans land, and as a result, there was an opening and Bye took advantage of it.

Adrian heath attempted to switch to an offensive formation, a 3-4-3, by bringing on Brent Kallman and Abu Danladi, but there simply wasn’t any offensive drive from the team in the second half.

Speaking post game to sideline reporter Jamie Watson, head coach Adrian Heath seemed rather upset with his sides performance. “I don’t think we were good enough today,” said Heath. “We weren't good enough to win it.”

The Loons fall to 2-2 on the season and have a road trip to the New York Red Bulls next weekend before opening Allianz Field on April 13th.