MNUFC2 vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
National Sports Center Stadium | Blaine, MN
6.18.2023 | MLS NEXT Pro Game No. 13
6:00 p.m. CT | Streaming on mlsnextpro.com
MNUFC2 is back in Blaine for the second weekend in a row and is set to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. This will be a big test for the Loons, as the last meeting between these teams saw Vancouver win 5-2. Minnesota has a bit of work to do to climb back up the Western Conference standings — but with a tightly-contested table, they just need a strong run of form to leap-frog the competition.
MNUFC2 is coming off of a tough loss against Houston Dynamo 2 that leaves them in 10th place in the Western Conference with 16 points. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 has had a bit of a spotty record lately, with two draws and a loss to before finally gathering three points against Real Salt Lake on Thursday. They currently sit on the other end of the table – third place with 23 points. VFC2 has a little more breathing room than the Twos, but nevertheless, Sunday should be a fierce competition – their last meeting certainly was.
In April, the Loons traveled to Vancouver and the game that followed was high-energy and high-scoring. MNUFC2 notched the first goal of the match with a great set-piece. Vancouver answered twice to put them in a 2-1 lead before the Twos equalized just before half time. Second half is where things started to fall off for the Loons, and VFC2 was able to notch three more before the day was done. The match proves that MNUFC2 can play well against the Whitecaps, they just need to find a way to stretch it to the full 90 minutes.
Something that bodes well for the Twos is the schedule itself. MNUFC2 hasn’t had to travel this week and will be in the comfortable confines of their own stadium. VFC2 traveled all the way to Austin last Friday, had a home game against Real Salt Lake on Thursday and now are making their trek to Blaine. A rigorous schedule for any team.
MNUFC2 is in need of a bit of a pick-me-up and getting revenge for their early-season loss in front of a home crowd would be like a shot of espresso for this squad. A nice opportunity has been laid out for the Twos, all they need to do is fight for the full 90 and take it.
