Hello again, my avid bird enthusiasts! While we will certainly be diving into the match that was on Wednesday evening, and the match that will be Saturday in Vancouver, BC, let’s touch on the most obvious takeaway from our midweek matchup…
No foolin’, Jimbo!
No foolin’, Jimbo!
With their 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake and a bit of help from the San Jose Earthquakes (thanks, Quakes 👏), the Loons have officially punched their ticket to the MLS postseason. While clinching their spot before Decision Day will certainly ease some late-season anxiety, the boys still have plenty to play for in terms of seeding within the Western Conference playoff picture. But if they plan on climbing the standings, they'll need a much sharper showing than they had in Salt Lake City. Let’s get after it, you Loons!
| Run of Form
Minnesota United FC (13-12-7)
Run of Form: D-W-L-W-W (MLS Regular Season)
After missing the postseason in 2023 for the first time in five years, the Loons’ ability to secure their place in the 2024 playoffs is nothing short of impressive. Not because they don’t deserve it, but because they did it despite the ups, downs, and uncertainties that defined this season. While Coach Eric Ramsay has had no shortage of formations and lineup tweaks to figure out, it’s encouraging to see how this roster is gelling at just the right time. That said, the Loons' performance against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night was a far cry from their commanding 3-0 victory over Colorado the previous weekend. Real Salt Lake, sitting near the top of the Western Conference, has been tough all season, but the Loons lacked the sharpness they’ve shown in recent matches.
Vancouver Whitecaps (13-10-8)
Run of Form: L-W-L-W-W (MLS Regular Season)
For those who stayed up late enough to watch a Cascadian clash on Wednesday, you saw the ‘Caps get thrashed 3-0 by Seattle. It was a tough blow for Vancouver, who are clinging to the 7th seed in the West. With only a single point separating the ‘Caps from the 8th-seed Loons, Vancouver must be feeling the heat, especially knowing that a loss to MNUFC could push them into a Wild Card spot if they can’t keep the Black and Blue at bay on Saturday night.
| Keys to the Game
Unnecessary Uncertainty
In a perfect world, the club would submit a formal appeal to MLS officials in hopes of overturning the yellow card issued to Michael Boxall in the late stages of their scoreless draw with RSL on Wednesday. But, league rules won’t make that possible, unfortunately. How Vera’s truly despicable actions—spitting on Boxall—resulted in a yellow card for Boxy is beyond comprehension. Frankly, he’s lucky someone held Boxy back from dishing out some well-deserved Kiwi justice. Either way, Boxall’s card triggered a one-game suspension, leaving him unavailable for Saturday. Having to navigate defensive uncertainly feels incredibly unfair when you consider the initial act, but it is what it is now, and the effects will certainly impact how Coach Ramsay sets up the defense against Vancouver’s Ryan Gauld and their attacking third.
Don’t Be Cheap
No, this isn’t about wages or cheap shots (or spit). It’s about turnovers. The Loons had far too many against RSL, though some may attribute that to RSL’s success in pressing MNUFC. Wednesday’s match wasn’t a clinic in execution by either side, but MNUFC had moments when they looked connected on the attack, with quick, crisp passes leading to promising sequences. If they can cut down on cheap turnovers, they can rediscover the finishing touch they showed against Colorado.
Join (Attacking) Forces
This may not be a traditional “key to the game,” but I think it’s worth manifesting here. My vision? An attacking pairing of Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi in the starting lineup. It would be the perfect combination of the attacking MVP from the first half of the season with the standout of the second half. While it’s reasonable to keep Oluwaseyi’s speed in reserve for second-half impacts, I don’t think anyone would object to an experimental start for these two just to see what they could do together from the opening whistle.
