Loons v Timbers

Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath spoke with media today about the upcoming four-day stretch where his side will host the Portland Timbers twice.

The Loons host the Timbers in league play on Sunday, August 4 and then again on Wednesday, August 7 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“Our home games are going to be huge for us,” Heath said. “This is another opportunity against a Western Conference team.”

The Loons and the Timbers have a bit of history in MLS too - the head-to-head record is 2-2 with Minnesota having a -3 GD. Ironically, the Loons are undefeated at home against the Timbers, but have lost both matches away.

The Dark Clouds put together a tifo in the two teams last appearance featuring Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue Ox towering over “Timber Joey.”

Tim C McLaughlin

“They’ve had a lot of talent the last two times we’ve played them, and we beat them at home. Although the games were 3-2, I think that gives them, it gives them a little closer than the games actually were,” Heath said.

Quintero, formation and availability

Darwin Quintero is going to be unavailable for selection tomorrow, as he’s serving a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation.

With Quintero unavailable, the Loons having a gaping whole in their attack that will need to be filled. Adrian Heath mentioned that a formation switch could be a possibility, but that decisions are still being made on what they will do.

Newly acquired Finnish international midfielder, Robin Lod, could be an option to replace Quintero for the afternoon.

(On Lod at the 10) “Yes, definitely. He’s played it recently for Finland and he’s been outstanding. One of the real plus points for us with Robin is that he can play anywhere across the front,” Heath said.

Lastly, Carter Manley and Wyatt Omsberg are staying on loan with Forward Madison of the USL League one for the weekend. Dayne St. Clair has returned to Minnesota for tomorrow’s match.

Transfer News

Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press (first reported) and Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune have both published that a source has indicated to them that the Loons are pursuing Uruguayan youth international Thomas Chacon.

Chacon is an 18 year old prospect who currently plays with Danubio FC in the top-flight of football in Uruguay. The Loons have until Friday to sign the teenager, but to do so, they would have to buy down the contract of designated player Angelo Rodriguez, open up an International slot and agree terms and conditions with the player and club.