Preview: MNUFC vs Austin FC

Tonight is a big night for the Loons as they face expansion side Austin FC for the first time. Just like last weekend this will be another home match for MNUFC but this one is a bit different as Austin already has a win under their belt.

“Well, obviously, they’ll be buoyed on the back of getting their first ever MLS victory. We know a few years ago how excited we were when we won our first game.” said Adrian Heath.

Opposition:

Last week Minnesota United faced Real Salt Lake but this time it’s Austin FC, albeit at the same place in the confines of Allianz Field. Last weekend was a tale of two different stories for the two clubs. While MNUFC lost to Real Salt Lake at home for the first time, Austin FC took down Colorado Rapids 3-1 on the road. That secured Austin their first ever MLS victory and was the second match in a seven game road trip for the expansion club.

“They look as if they’ve got a really good squad, I think they’ve brought good players so we know it’s going to be a difficult situation.” Heath said during his pre match press conference.

Manager/Player Thoughts:

Defensive issues once again plagued MNUFC last weekend. The Loons have now given up a total of six goals in just two games in 2021. However Heath does not feel it’s on all or part of the team though.

“I don’t think it’s a defense, I don’t think it’s a collective, I think it’s individual errors have cost us dearly and the people who’ve been involved with the errors know that.

New defender Jukka Raitala also agreed with the gaffer on his statement, with Raitala stating,

“If you look at the game against Real Salt Lake there was individual mistakes. If you take that out they didn’t have too many chances.”

The other issue is scoring, something that the Loons continue to struggle with, and something Adrian Heath touched on a few days prior to the match. Stating,

“Robin [Lod] has had a couple really good opportunities, we’ve had a couple of maybes, but we haven’t created enough in that final third and we’ve conceded and made big mistakes in [the other] end and they’ve cost us.”

Injury Report:

Minnesota United FC

• Questionable: Robin Lod (chest)
• Out: Ike Opara (undisclosed) Niko Hansen (left thigh), Bakaye Dibassy (left thigh), Jacori Hayes (right thigh), and Nabilai Kibunguchy (concussion)

Austin FC

• Questionable: None
• Out: Aaron Schoenfeld (left knee), Ulises Segura (left knee), and Ben Sweat (ACL)