Although the Loons’ home opener didn’t go as planned against Real Salt Lake, the fans in the stands provided a huge lift for the team as they chanted and applauded. It had been 552 days since fans were able to step into Allianz Field and even though it was at a limited capacity, the Loons were thrilled to welcome them home — especially players getting their first start with Minnesota United.
“It was special to get those minutes and to start with this team for the first time, and to play with my teammates in that beautiful stadium in front of our fans,” said forward Juan Agudelo. “It was shame we couldn’t win but there were a few plays in which we can grow and me, individually, I thought I played well but forwards need to score goals.”
Players know improvements need to happen, not just in the offense, but on the defensive side as well. After all, the game of fútbol is a team sport.
“If you look at the game against Real Salt Lake, there was individual mistakes,” says defender Jukka Raitala. “If you take that out they didn’t have too many chances. As a team we have been defending well and if you make mistakes at this level they cost you. It was very unfortunate to concede two goals in the first half. We just need to continue to work hard every day and stay focused and keep improving.”
The Loons’ next match will be against expansion team Austin FC. The Verde have had two games thus far, losing their first match against Los Angeles FC and winning last week against Colorado Rapids. With their first win in the books, Austin FC has to be feeling on top of the world, but the Loons are confident as well.
“Well, obviously, they’ll be buoyed on the back of getting their first-ever MLS victory,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We know a few years ago how excited we were when we won our first game. They look as if they’ve got a really good squad, I think they’ve brought good players so we know it’s going to be a difficult situation. But one where I know if we play like we can, approach the game with the confidence of being a good team, which we are, then I can’t see any reason why we can’t win the game.”
Buoyed by that optimism but with an understanding that it’s a long season yet, players are pushing themselves in training to perform at their all-time best, pushing one another to perform at their best and pointing out mistakes that need to be fixed.
“Well, since time began, since football began, the most important thing is both boxes. You’ve got to score on one end and keep it out on the other and we haven’t been very good of that this season so far,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “Robin [Lod] has had a couple really good opportunities, we’ve had a couple of maybes, but we haven’t created enough in that final third and we’ve conceded and made big mistakes in [the other] end and they’ve cost us.”
Attackers, along with midfielders, were finding themselves focusing on finishing drills to ensure they can create and finish those chances on the field. Meanwhile the defense focused on forcing players outside the box to ensure more difficult shots.
“I’ve seen in several seasons where a team starts out not being able to score off the bat, but once they get that first goal, it opens the gates,” said forward Juan Agudelo.
Minnesota United will welcome fans once again this Saturday, May 1, as they face off against Austin FC. Make sure to tune in to WUCUW, Bally Sports North, or SKOR North at 7:00 p.m. CT and follow Minnesota United’s social channels for live updates on our game as well as regular club updates.
