MNUFC2 v Whitecaps FC 2
National Sports Center Stadium | Blaine, Minnesota
07.02.2022 | MLS NEXT Pro Game No. 13
7:00 p.m. CT | Streaming on www.mlsnextpro.com
MNUFC2 will be kicking off the second half of their season this Saturday, July 2 at the National Sports Center Stadium against Whitecaps FC 2. This return to the North Star State comes after a 4-0 loss to North Texas SC in Arlington, Texas. While the Loons look to rebound from their defeat down south, let’s take a look at what happened last time out against the Whitecaps.
When these two played one another in May, the game was a bit all over the place. After going up a goal off of a corner in the 12th minute, MNUFC2 conceded an unfortunate own goal from a deflected corner at the other end. In the 41st minute, the Loons got back in front 2-1 on Tommy Williamson’s second goal of the match, via penalty kick. Just three minutes later though, an awkward bounce forced another own goal to level the score at two going into the half.
The second half was less eventful, with the only notable occurrences being a few yellow cards being shown to Vancouver players. At the final whistle, the game was tied and penalty kicks promptly began. The ensuing shootout saw Minnesota United come out with a 3-1 win after some well taken penalties and good goalkeeping from Fred Emmings.
“We played well,” said head coach Cameron Knowles. “We scored four goals and tied two-two. Two of those were own goals, but we had again a lot of good chances and the guys played well on the road. To have the composure and the quality to get that extra point as well was important.”
Going into this rematch, Minnesota will be hoping to play a cleaner game. After dominating possession, outshooting the Whitecaps 21-4, and overall outplaying their opponents, it’s a wonder that the game ended up tied. The ideas and opportunities were there, but a few too many mishaps and mistakes cost them.
This week, the team has focused on finishing plays in training, as well as recovering from their tough road game in Texas this past weekend. After a month without any home matches, this weekend presents the team with a much-needed opportunity to reset and regroup.
“I think resetting this week will be good just to know what the flaws were and we can bounce back even stronger,” said midfielder Aziel Jackson. “We have a really talented group and we all like to play together, so that’s the most important thing. Just having that in the back of our heads, just looking forward to the weekend, we’re just going to come out stronger. I know we will.”
Goalkeeper Fred Emmings also commented on how the team can be more defensively sound in the next game than they were last weekend.
“Jason Ramos is back after he had a red card [at Earthquakes II],” Emmings said. “Playing a three-back made it a bit difficult, so we have some more guys back and we’re going to go ahead and plan on playing a little better, watch some film, prepare properly and I think we’ll be alright.”
While the team is recovering, coach Knowles has been looking forward to how his team will stack up against the Whitecaps this time around.
“We don’t know if the personnel we have available will be the same as we had then,” Knowles said. “They’re a good team. Vancouver’s got some really good results. It’s going to be a really tough game for us.”
Come kickoff your weekend by supporting MNUFC2 at the National Sports Center Stadium. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. CT, with tickets available here. The contest can also be viewed by streaming at www.mlsnextpro.com.
