Preview: Matchday 6, MNUFC vs FC Dallas

Minnesota United FC comes into tonight’s match not only on a short week but also off their first win of the 2021 season. The Loons defeated Vancouver 1-0 on Wednesday night to give Minnesota their first points of the year. While the points weren’t enough for MNUFC to get them out of last place in the Western Conference it did get them out of last place in the league. Though if Minnesota can take three more points at home tonight against FC Dallas that will help them tremendously as they look to overcome the worst start in club history.

Opposition:

Tonight FC Dallas comes into Allianz Field for their fifth match of the 2021 campaign. The club formerly known as the Burn comes in with a 1-1-2 record and 5 points on the year, sitting at 10th in the 13 team Western Conference. The Toros lone win of the season was exactly two weeks ago when they defeated the Portland Timbers 4-1 in Frisco, TX at Toyota Stadium before a crowd of 8,621.

Unlike the Loons the Toros are not coming off a short week with their last match being a 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo. Dallas has scored at least one goal in three of their four matches and their offence, at least at this point, is not dominated by a single player. Jáder Obrian leads the team with two goals while another four players each have one goal for FCD.

Defensively however Dallas has struggled a bit during the season. They do have one clean sheet, though that came in a nil-nil draw with Colorado in the season opener. However following that game FCD has allowed three goals, then one goal, then one goal. Jimmy Maurer gave up all three against San Jose but since that match Phelipe Megiolaro has taken over the goal and has only given up one goal per match.

Manager/Player Thoughts:

The short timeframe between matches for MNUFC is of note as FC Dallas will be coming in fresher then the Loons will. When asked about what the team has done in between match Adrian Heath stated.

“We haven’t done an awful lot. Obviously, more video work than actual work out here on the grass. It’s never ideal, especially with teams who haven’t had a midweek game come in a little bit fresher. But that’s the way it is and I’m sure down the stretch, we’ll be in the same position as Dallas.

And while it is a short week the Loons desperately need points, something Emanuel Reynoso mentioned in the pre match press conference on Friday.

“Honestly, that win was very important. We needed to win. We had to get points so we could move up in the table and I think we played a good game. We played well and we have to repeat it this weekend like it’s another final.”

The Toros have a 1-1-2 record they’ll be looking to steal some away points, especially in a place they have not been super successful in. Since Allianz Field opened FCD has never won in St. Paul and their only away victory in Minnesota came back in 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium. While history is on Minnesota’s side Tyler Miller knows how dangerous the lads from Texas can be, saying.

“They’re a very dangerous team. I think they have some good attacking options. They’ve got good service into the box and are very creative on their set pieces.

Injury Report:

Minnesota United FC

• Questionable: Nabilai Kibunguchy (concussion) and Juan Agudelo (right thigh)
• Out: Ike Opara (undisclosed) Niko Hansen (left thigh), and Bakaye Dibassy (left thigh)

Colorado Rapids

• Questionable: Jimmy Maurer (shoulder)
• Out: Nkosi Tafari (quad strain), Jesús Ferreira (shoulder injury), and Kyle Zobeck (quad strain)