For Minnesota United, its current 17-day break between games could not have come at a better time. The Loons are working to get a number of players back into form ahead of their meeting with D.C. United on September 12 — as well as for the pivotal stretch run of the season — and believe this break is just what they need to do so.
The time off will benefit players like forwards Abu Danladi, Angelo Rodriguez and Darwin Quintero, midfielder Fernando Bob, defender Eric Miller and others who are either working their way back into game shape, still acclimating to the team or overcoming recent injuries.
“It is a really good time for maybe five or six of the guys,” Head Coach Adrian Heath said. “People have got little knocks and they can’t quite get rid of them. This gives us an opportunity so we can get them into better physical condition for the D.C. game coming.”
Minnesota’s depth got a big boost this past weekend with the return of defender Jerome Thiesson after a three-month absence. Miller’s injury against Sporting Kansas City necessitated a 57-minute shift for Thiesson, who was forced into extended action earlier than anticipated. He handled it with aplomb, though, and is taking advantage of the 17-day window to further build his fitness.
Thiesson said he and the team explored the possibility of loaning him out this weekend to get him more game time, but the surprise appearance against Sporting KC coupled with the more rigorous morning and afternoon training sessions over the break scuttled that notion.
“I have to gain game fitness,” Thiesson said. “That is definitely a part I have to work on. I am going to do everything in practice and they are going to work with me on extra stuff as well so I will be in full shape for a full 90 minutes.
“I am just very, very happy that I am healthy,” he added.
Heath called the D.C. United game a “must-win” for MNUFC, so it will be imperative to have as many players available for selection as possible. Getting Thiesson back helps immensely, especially considering defenders Michael Boxall and Francisco Calvo will both miss the game due to yellow card accumulation. Midfielders Romario Ibarra and Rasmus Schuller may miss the game as well after being called up for international duty.
Fernando Bob’s potential debut may be a boon for Minnesota’s shorthanded back line and Heath said he expects Quintero, who has missed the last two games with a leg injury, to be fit and good-to-go for the DCU match-up.
“Obviously we are going to miss Calvo and Boxall, which is disappointing,” Heath said. “But for the other guys, like Fernando Bob, we can get some real quality work in. You lose a couple but regain a couple. It is not ideal. In a perfect world everybody would be available, but that is not what it is at this stage of the season.”
