Notebook: Klinsmann’s performance secures LA a win in Minnesota

Saturday evening saw Minnesota United host the LA Galaxy on National TV on FOX. A single goal from the Galaxy mixed with an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann.

“Jonathan [Klinsmann] had a great game,” said Wil Trapp “We certainly put a lot of threatening plays together to test him, but I mean if you look at the deflection and you look at the saves in the first half off Ethan [Finlay], he did a wonderful job and it’s difficult when a goalkeeper is having a good day to score but we still feel a little bit disappointed that we didn’t get one.”

Outside of Klinsmann’s performance MNUFC also struggled scoring, something they and Adrien Hunou have had issues with this season.

“Well, I think he probably needs to get a goal and have a really good performance behind him to start to give himself some confidence,” Heath said. “Keep working hard and come in every day. Try and make your luck. And that’s what he’ll do. He’s a good professional. He trains hard. I actually thought Juan [Agudelo] gave us a lift when he came on. The keeper made a great save for him and, he had a couple of nice little moments. So, that’ll be good for Juan.”

Wil Trapp would talk about the attack following the match on Saturday.

“Well, look, Robin [Lod] [being injured] it was like two days ago so it’s one of those things where it’s sprung on us, unfortunately, and I think guys have to step up. I mean you look at a little bit of a reshuffling in the lineup to start, but a natural winger coming in like Justin [McMaster], I think just gives a little bit more continuity of that position. Hassani [Dotson], for all his qualities, he would probably prefer to play in the middle of the field, but he still does a great job when he’s out there. It’s really just about damage control for that first part, and really getting guys comfortable and confident in what their role will be then hopefully, Justin just came back from the COVID protocol so getting him minutes I think is important.”

Minnesota United has a short, short week as they face San Jose on Tuesday. Something Heath mentioned after the match with LA.

“It’s never easy. It’s not easy for anybody and obviously with the travel, especially San Jose, they’re in a little good run of form at this moment in time. Really difficult to play against, full of energy full of running. It’s a little bit different game than most games. We’ve done okay against them in the past but they’re in particularly good form at this moment in time. We’ll be in tomorrow. Have a regeneration day and get a bit of work in to the guys who have not played and see what we do in terms of team selection. Do we feel as though we need to freshen in up? We’ll see.”