Preview: Matchday 5 - MNUFC vs Seattle Sounders

After a bye week for international play Minnesota United returns to the pitch to face Seattle Sounders tonight in St. Paul. The Loons are one of five teams left unbeaten in Major League Soccer following the first few weeks of play. 2022 has been one of the best starts for Minnesota since joining MLS as they have a four match unbeaten streak.

Opposition:

The Loons face a team they have not done well against historically, with the Seattle Sounders coming into St. Paul. However, after the Sounders managed to finish last season 2nd in the Western Conference, 3rd in MLS, Qualified for the Playoffs and CCL, they have not done particularly well this year. The Sounders are 1-2-1 through four matches, but have only been outscored by a single goal through four matches. For more on the Sounders check out our 3 Questions with Sounder at Heart.

Manager/Player Thoughts:

“Their start, they started with a couple of defeats I think they started with. Obviously, got Champions League, we know how important that’s going to be for them. Big game against Leon and then they’ve got another big game next Wednesday,” said Adrian Heath. “Yeah, they’ve had other things on their mind, but trust me, come showtime, come the end of the year, they’ll be thereabouts.”

“They’re always going to be difficult. They know what they’re about. If you read reports, talking about the depth of their team, and we know that,” midfielder Wil Trapp said. “We know that from years prior and you understand that when you’re working with the situation with Champions League, it’s never easy to continuously out out your best team and win every single game but they have quality and they’re a good team.”

Injury Report:

Minnesota United FC

Questionable: Oniel Fisher (thigh), Franco Fragapane (thigh), Romain Métanire (thigh)

Out: Chase Gasper (SABH), Patrick Weah (knee, out for season)

Seattle Sounders

Questionable: Andrew Thomas (calf)

Out: Yeimar Gómez Andrade (High ankle sprain)