Editorial (March 19, 2017) – It’s been a rough two game start to Major League Soccer for Minnesota United FC. They gave up 11 goals in their first 180 minutes. They got blown out in the first home game against a fellow expansion side. But they’re finally on the board in the standings, with a 2-2 draw at Colorado Rapids this weekend.
Adrian Heath Please With Minnesota’s Progress In Earning Draw
“I was pleased with everyone for the effort they put in to get something from the game,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the game. “I’m pleased with the group tonight. This group’s had a lot of stick over the last few weeks,” he added.
His side came out much more aggressive in the attack on the road. The new 4-1-4-1 formation seemed to give them better shape on both sides of the ball. Christian Ramirez had several good chances. “I thought [Ramirez] was really good today. Great first goal,” Heath said about the strikers go ahead goal. It gave Minnesota their first ever MLS lead, even though the match ended in a draw.
Defensive mistakes cost the team big time though. Rasmus Schüller had a misplaced back pass that caused the first goal. Then they conceded just one minute after scoring to take a 2-1 lead.
“That’ll be a focus of ours. When we score, the next five minutes are crucial. Whether it goes direct for five minutes, that’s the energy that the other team can come back and score that quick goal. That’s a learning point for us and we need to continue to learn from it and not beat ourselves. We’ll continue to work on it,” said Ramirez about giving up a goal so soon.
“Still, this game is a step in the right direction. For them to hold their nerve the way they did in the last 20 minutes against a good team, I’m pleased,” said Heath about his team going down a man in the 70th minute.
They’ve found a formation that might work in the long term. They had a much improved defensive performance. They limited chances and only gave up two goals. They got a point. For a side that has been struggling and labeled as NASL talent, this is progress.
