Preview: MNUFC vs Union Omaha

After a win over the weekend in Frisco, TX over in league play over FC Dallas, the Loons are set to play their fifth match in the past 15 days. Tonight, Minnesota United FC hosts USL League One side Union Omaha.

Opposition:

For the first time ever, Minnesota and Union Omaha will meet in competitive play. The Owls made the USL1 Final in their first season in 2020 and won the league championship in 2021. The current season has not been so kind to Omaha, who are 1-3-1 with six points and in 9th place in USL League One. However, the Owls have done great in the US Open Cup, with wins over USL2 side Des Moines Menace, Chicago Fire, and fellow USL1 side the Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

Manager/Player Thoughts:

“I expect a really well organized, highly motivated group, like Forward Madison were. As I said to the players this morning, we have to treat them with the respect they deserve. These are professional players all wanting to play at this level. For some of the guys, it might be the biggest game they ever play tomorrow night,” said Heath. “I just said to our guys we have to treat them with respect because Salt Lake, Columbus, Austin, Chicago, they all played lower league opposition and if you read the quotes of their coaches after the game, they don’t think they approached the game in the right manner. And that’s what can happen. Football history is littered with lower league clubs beating premier league clubs and, generally, it’s because you don’t approach it properly. We have to guard against that and that’s something we have spoken about.”

Injury Report:

Minnesota United FC

Questionable: Niko Hansen (thigh)

Out: Abu Danladi (thigh), Hassani Dotson (knee, Out for the Season), Justin McMaster (shoulder), Tyler Miller (abdominal), Romain Métanire (thigh), and Patrick Weah (knee, Out for the Season)

Union Omaha

Questionable: Not Reported

Out: Not Reported