No, it’s not the ocean, nor is it your average lake. They don’t have 10,000 lakes to pick from in Utah, but boy, have they got one big, salty lake. It’s not sink or swim for the Loons in Wednesday’s matchup with Real Salt Lake, but if it were, I’ve heard it’s easier to float in water with a higher salt content, so I’m pretty sure a group of waterfowl such as us would be chilling if that were the case. While RSL has already clinched a postseason berth, there’s still plenty to play for. This midweek matchup has big playoff implications, and both sides are coming in hot.
Minnesota United (13-12-6)
Run of Form: W-W-L-W-W
The Boys in Black and Blue have rediscovered the magic that buoyed them to a stellar start to 2024, and I might argue they’re surpassing the bar they set in that opening stretch. In the last five matches, we’ve seen a revitalized MNUFC not only compete in every match but dominate for large stretches and begin to really assert themselves once more. The addition of Kelvin Yeboah has proven to be a breath of fresh air after seven goals in his first six games for the club, allowing the rest of the squad to relax and do their own jobs without having to worry about forcing scoring opportunities. The flow of the play from Eric Ramsay’s side has been absolutely fantastic in this recent stretch, and after three away wins in a row, a trip out West shouldn’t intimidate the Loons at all.
Real Salt Lake (14-7-10)
Run of Form: D-D-W-L-W
Just like the Loons, RSL comes into this match with just one loss in their last five matches. The Claret and Cobalt have found goals from players not named Chicho Arango recently, and their mark of 62 goals scored makes them the fourth-highest scoring team in the whole league. 11 of those strikes have come in their last five games, good enough for an average of just over two goals per 90 in that span. It’s hard to tell who the biggest attacking threat is going to be, as it seems everyone on this RSL team has found a way to make a significant mark, with 19 different players making at least one goal contribution in 2024. Pablo Mastroeni’s side is dangerous and in decent form, making this game at elevation a real tall order in more ways than one.
Keys to the Match:
More Than Meets the Eye
In the last few matches, the Loons have lined up in a 4-4-2. At least, that’s what it says on paper. Watching the Loons and referencing whatever lineup you’ve got written down might be a rather confusing experience, as they tend to stick to roles more than positions. Am I splitting hairs when I say that? Maybe, but give me a chance to explain. Take the starting eleven against Colorado, for example. Robin Lod and Kelvin Yeboah were both listed as strikers in the Loons’ 4-4-2, and while Robin found himself in an advanced role more often than not, he operated as more of a midfielder. Perhaps you could call him a CAM, but it was clear that his instructions were not, “Play as a striker and don’t deviate from that role.” Instead, he was put into the part of the field that he is most effective in and given the freedom to affect the game in the way that only he can. That resulted in Lod tying the club’s single-season assist record with his 15th of 2024, and it freed up his on-paper strike partner to score a brace. There’s a lot of space on the field, and while formations help us to divide it, there’s a whole lot more that goes into effectively using that space. You’ve got to understand the players at your disposal, and you’ve got to put them in the places they’re most comfortable. Regardless of the lineup you see on paper this weekend, expect to see the Loons ebb and flow with the strengths of their players on Wednesday; that’s when they’re at their most effective.
Feed Him, Seymour, Feed Him
Kelvin Yeboah is on an absolute tear, folks. The Loons new DP striker has hit the ground sprinting, scoring seven goals in his first six games. For attackers, a scoring streak is the most effective way to build confidence, and in a role that requires a ton of confidence, purple patches like this tend to go the way of a runaway train. It’s absolutely terrifying for defenders to face a player in the kind of form Yeboah has found since joining MLS. One way or another, the Black and Blue have to find a way to get him the ball and keep his streak going. Taking a shot takes a lot of confidence, and as soon as that confidence starts to dip, it can be difficult to recover. The best strikers simply move on after each shot, but there’s something about allowing yourself to roll with the good times that just can’t be replicated with the memory of a goldfish. It might sound obvious, but goals are the best way to keep a striker in form, and the Loons are going to need an in-form Yeboah if they want to make any meaningful impact in what’s left of 2024.
Did You Say Playoffs?
With three points in this match, the Loons would officially clinch their spot in the postseason. A loss or draw for FC Dallas would likewise clinch a spot for MNUFC, but with their fate fully within their own ability to control, the Black and Blue need to get it done. With the season coming to a close and the pressure beginning to mount, the players need to make sure that they don’t let the weight of the moment get too heavy; yes, this game could seal a spot in the playoffs, but it’s still just soccer. Clear heads and free feet are the keys to beautiful soccer, and worrying about anything other than the moment at hand will keep the Loons from being their best. The best way to clinch a postseason spot? Don’t think about it. Keep that nose to the grindstone and let what happens happen. Distractions can be hard to avoid, but it’s a must if Ramsay and company want to extend their season.
