Recap: Another poor start dooms Loons in Colorado

Last night did not go well for Minnesota United. An end to their seven match unbeaten streak, a bad 2-0 loss to Colorado Rapids, and a red card to Ramón Ábila after he was in the match for just about 20 minutes.

Heath would go with the same formation as the Loons draw with San Jose from Saturday, starting the team in a 4-2-3-1, however with five changes. Robin Lod, Ozzie Alonso, Ján Greguš, Brent Kallman, and DJ Taylor got starts while Niko Hansen, Wil Trapp, and Hassani Dotson were on the bench while Michael Boxall and Bakaye Dibassy were out due to injury.

As the teams entered stoppage time in a half that was, at least possession wise, dominated by Minnesota Colorado’s Braian Galván scored the matches opening goal.

Thins didn’t get any better for Minnesota in the second half. While they didn’t allow any goals (shockingly) for the first 35 minutes, they also weren’t very threatening. Then Colorado scored again when Andre Shinyashiki lobbed a shot over the head of Tyler Miller.

Just a few minutes later the Loons looked to be threatening for a goal after Colorado’s Danny Wilson drew a yellow card foul in the 83rd minute. This gave MNUFC a threatening opportunity on a dangerous FK outside the box. Then, well after a VAR decision by referee Ted Unkel, Ramón Ábila was handed a red card for punching a Rapids player in the side on the setup for the free kick.

Adrian Heath was asked if he saw Ábila’s punch and stated:

“No. No. But, if he’s punched him, then you’re going to get sent off. Can’t do it these days. Too many cameras. VAR. All the stuff that we know. So, if he’s done it, serves him right and he’s cost the rest of the group as well.”

Minnesota United FC has this weekend off and will be back in MLS play next Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Sounders. Kickoff is set for 1 PM CT at Allianz Field in St. Paul and can be seen on ESPN.