Preview: Minnesota United vs. Pachuca

Minnesota United takes on Pachuca in an international friendly tonight, in coordination with FIFA’s international break. The Mexican side is right in the middle of their season, currently sitting 14th on the table with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. Similarly to the MLS, the Liga MX has two divisions, each with 8 playoff spots. Pachuca currently is only 4 points out of a playoff berth.

For both teams, it will surely be experimental lineups, with non-starters getting their chance to play. The Loons have recalled Carter Manley and Wyatt Omsberg from Madison, Despite Forward Madison’s League game tonight against Tormenta, so expect a young team tonight. For Minnesota United, the focus will be on new Young Designated Player Thomas Chacon who will receive his first start for the Loons. It will be interesting to see where Heath places him in the attack. Chacon played left-winger against Sporting Kansas City, but Manny Lagos said that he is perfectly capable of playing any of the attacking positions.

Pachuca, notably, has Romario Ibarra on Loan from Minnesota. The Ecuadorian attacker has featured spontaneously for Los Tuzos in their Liga MX campaign. Ibarra has started 3 games and been substituted in 4, scoring 2 goals and an assist.

The match tonight is at 7 PM at Allianz Field. It will not be aired on Fox Sports North but can be streamed at MNUFC.com.