Notebook: “We got away with one tonight”

“I thought we got away with one tonight.”

That’s how Adrian Heath started off the press conference last night after Minnesota United’s 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids.

“We started slowly in the first half. As I said, we were second to every ball. Second to every second ball. And, last 15, 20 minutes, we got a little bit of play going. And, got a good goal.”

That goal was one of the turning points in the match last night for Minnesota. And while Robin Lod may not hit on goal with all or even a majority of his shots, he has improved a lot in this weird 2020 season.

“Pleased for Robin [Lod]. That’s his eighth of the season now. Doing well, considering he can’t score by all accounts. So, I’m pleased for him,” Heath said post match.

And that turning point as half-time approached was really necessary, especially considering Ozzie Alonso was substituted off early in the half. Heath gave as much of an update as he could last night.

“Hamstring. Not the one he’s had recently. Obviously, when it happens in the game, we’re never quite sure how it’s going to be. We’ll have a better idea tomorrow when it’s settled and he’s had a night’s sleep on it, how tender it is. But, you would think, for him to come off, because, we know what he’s like, a bit of a warrior, you know, he doesn’t come off with nothing. So, I would think, you know, if we make the playoffs, that would probably be the time he’s around fit. I would think.”

Unfortunately for Minnesota he was not the only possible injury on the night. Reynoso, Schoenfeld, and Hayes were all subbed out due to some nicks they picked up last night

“[Reynoso] had a kick on his ankle in the first half and it was really swollen. It swelled up and he said he started feeling it getting all tender. Aaron Schoenfeld feels his calf. Jacori Hayes has got a groin strain.”

Minnesota would end up giving up a goal to Colorado in the 69th minute but would get one back in the 89th minute when Lalas Abubakar headed in an own goal. And the three points were massive in keeping Minnesota’s run going and pushing them towards clinching a playoff berth.

“The three points were vital, because, had we not got the three points, the pressure would have mounted with the games that we’ve got to come.” said Heath. “They’re all important games. And, six points, six points is, really…I’m so pleased that we got the result we did.”

The points will come in handy but as pointed out last night, we really don’t know where the Loons are in terms of most of the league. Minnesota has and will only face 12 opponents during the 2020 campaign.

“Every time I look at the TV, it’s like Groundhog Day. You’re seeing the same two teams playing. I’ve just seen Portland have gone one up against the Galaxy. It only seems like a week ago they were playing each other again down in LA,” said Heath on Wednesday night. “When I consider where we’ve been with our injuries this year, the fact that we’ve only put the same lineup out more than two or three times all year, I think it’s a remarkable situation that we find ourselves in and that’s full testament to the players for what they’ve not only endured, but their determination to keep moving forward. Which has been commendable.”