The MLS NEXT Pro regular season is coming to a close, but there’s one opportunity left to see MNUFC2 at the National Sports Center Stadium. Colorado Rapids 2 are visiting Minnesota this Friday for the final home match of the season, and though the focus has now shifted away from postseason qualification, the Loons will still be hoping to end the season in good form.
Last weekend, the Twos kept their unbeaten streak rolling with an emphatic comeback win against Sporting KC II, securing a 4-2 victory after being down 0-2 after 30 minutes. Their four unanswered goals came from four different goalscorers (Hugo Bacharach, Aidan Martinez, Samuel Shashoua, and Darius Randell) and demonstrated a resilience and fight in this team that has been building throughout the season. Academy player Aidan Martinez continued to excel in his opportunities with the second team, and Shashoua showed his attacking prowess once more.
In their next match, MNUFC2 will be taking on Colorado Rapids 2 for the third time this season. When they first met in the mountains back in May, Minnesota came out on top with a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from Patrick Weah and Molik Jesse Khan. The Loons likewise won the matchup in July 1-0 after a late game winner from Rory O’Driscoll. This weekend’s showdown will give MNUFC2 a chance to complete the season sweep, and given the form that both teams are carrying into this matchup, they should be confident they can get it done.
Rapids 2 haven’t won in their last six matches and couldn’t be coming into this one much colder. They’ve got the second lowest point total (23) in all of MLSNP, ahead of only New England Revolution II. They’ve proven that they can score, but their lackluster defensive record has kept them from building any positive momentum.
Following Houston’s win over Colorado last week, MNUFC2 were officially eliminated from postseason contention, despite their fantastic form. This weekend’s home finale presents an opportunity to play with a fresh mindset, focused not on trying to stay in the race and instead simply trying to finish strong. The mental fortitude that it takes to motivate yourself for games like this is earned through hard work, and after the season of growth and development that this team has experienced, I wouldn’t bet against them.
Friday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. CT at the NSC Stadium. Come on out to see the home finale in person if you can, or tune in on MLSNEXTPro.com to catch the action. You’re going to want to be at this one, though; we’re going to have Pups at the Pitch, so get your tickets now and bring your furry friends!
