PREVIEW-Minnesota United FC has been on a hot streak of late, winning their last three and four out of the last five. The two main catalysts being their switch to the 3-5-2 formation and the emergence of their Designated Player Darwin Quintero. Christian Ramirez has also responded to critics well with three goals in the last two games as well. Minnesota United FC ability to win on the road may decide their playoff hopes. A win against another playoff contender in the Vancouver Whitecaps would be another big step towards the playoffs.
Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Preview
- Where: BC Place in Vancouver, Canada
- When: Saturday,July 28th, 2018 – 9:00 p.m. CT
What To Watch For
Will new signing Romario Ibarra be given the start?
Ibarra made a 12-minute substitute appearance in the last game against LAFC. Mentioned in our last article, switch for Alexi Gomez might be well received. In his last two games, Gomez has given up a penalty in one and was subbed off in the 32nd minute in the other. He has also failed to register a goal or assist this season. While the other winger/wingback, the underrated Miguel Ibarra, has six goals and five assists on the year.
Can the Loons win on the road?
The past week has been a good indicator that MNUFC can win at home at TCF Bank Stadium, but they can they win on the road? They have on of the worst road records in the league at one win and eight losses. Their one road game in their new formation, the 3-5-2. was a 3-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo. They have since won three in a row and built some momentum going into a stretch away from home Can they continue their momentum from a nine-point week at home and get a win on the road?
Will Darwin Quintero and Christian Ramirez continue to score?
Both Quintero and Ramirez have been playing exceptionally well as of late. Quintero’s freedom to roam and Ramirez’s off the ball work and movement have two major factors in the Loons offensive resurgence. Will Quintero continue his MVP form? Will Ramirez continue to perform with the new DP signing Angelo Rodriguez threatening his starting spot?
Projected Lineup (3-5-2)
Besides a Romario Ibarra switch for Alexi Gomez, Adrian Heath should keep the same line-up from the last week. They have had a nice six-day layoff since the last game on Sunday.
