Hello, friends. Rather than rehash painful memories, I’m just going to skip today’s preamble and express our collective feelings via GIF:
That’s it. That’s the intro.
Now, on to figuring out how to NOT have that happen again.
| Run of Form
Minnesota United FC (8-10-6)
Run of Form: L-D-L-L-L | Standings: 9th in the West
Unfortunately, I can’t gif my way out of this one. The Loons took a dagger to the heart on Wednesday night, and it was Christian Benteke wielding the dagger. Losing is obviously part of the beautiful game, but the loss to D.C. was tough to stomach. This one hurt a little extra because MNUFC did some good things out on the pitch. Tani Time struck once again, and it was a welcome sight for an attacking unit that had certainly missed his presence around the opposition's net. Not to be outdone, Teemu Pukki looked like Teemu Pukki once again, which hopefully emphasized to the Loons faithful that he’s rediscovered his groove around the goal. And our newest striker, Carter Lucero, scoring the nutmeg on D.C.’s keeper in his MLS debut was the play of the night, in my humble opinion.
San Jose Earthquakes (4-18-2)
Run of Form: L-L-W-L-L | Standings: 14th in the East
While the Loons are feeling the sting at the moment, it’s good to remind you that things could be worse. The 2024 San Jose Earthquakes can certainly attest to that. Currently, they stand alone as the only MLS club not to have registered 20 points in the standings this season. The Quakes have the attacking pieces to compete, with fixtures like Christian Espinoza still in the fold, but a porous backline and suspect goalkeeping haven’t done them any favors up front. The Quakes' last win came in a 1-0 victory over Chicago Fire on July 7. Before that? All the way back in May. That said, I can’t imagine the Loons are sleeping on any of their opponents at the moment, regardless of their record.
| Keys to the Game
Set Piece Security
The Loons knew full well that no man on the pitch on Wednesday night was more dangerous than D.C. forward Christian Benteke. However, when it came to defending the opposition’s set pieces, Benteke had far too much space to operate, and he made MNUFC pay for the oversight. No matter who finds themselves in the starting XI on Saturday, there must be a much tighter, more communicative effort if the Loons hope to hold up when danger is near.
Closing Time
In the light of day, Coach Eric Ramsay’s postgame comments seem to sting just a little bit more, specifically this one about the desire to defend in the clutch: “I don’t use that word (i.e., desire) lightly because coaches use it all too often... I can’t use any other word to describe the way in which we really lacked in those crucial moments. We didn’t show the real urgency, the desperation, to defend the box that you would have expected in a situation that we’re in at the moment. That’s the most disappointing thing we’ve got.” Whatever you personally use to describe it, “Eye of the Tiger” or “coffee is for closers” or whatever, the Loons backline is a proud bunch, and I find it hard to imagine that those words wouldn’t have been taken to heart. Let’s hope it translates to more of a killer instinct from here on out.
Control Issues
While it seemed to improve in the second half, the boys' ability to hold possession of the ball felt quite out of sorts for much of the first 45 minutes of the match. There just wasn’t a crisp, decisive look to a Loons team that made it appear far more effortless to connect with each other earlier in the season. The lack of control with the ball at our feet is making it harder for the attack to build any sort of momentum, opting to kick and chase when push comes to shove. Collectively, this club needs to rediscover some of the poise and composure it showed early on in 2024. Yes, I know that’s easier said than done, but our playmakers need to hit the refresh button and find out how to utilize the space given.
