Preview (September 15, 2018) – Minnesota United FC season could be summed up in their game on Wednesday night against D.C. United. Some brights spots but in the end, not the result they were hoping for. Fernando Bob made his Loons debut and put in a solid 77-minute shift. Maximiniano started next to Bob and was impressive in breaking up play in his only 2nd start this season.

Minnesota United FC Preview: At Real Salt Lake

When: Saturday, September 15th, 8:30 pm CT

Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah

Watch: Streamed on ESPN+ and FOX Sports North

The Loons will have some help with Romario Ibarra and Rasmus Schuller returning from international duty. Michael Boxall and Francisco Calvo returning from suspension as well. Boxall and Calvo will likely return to the starting line-up in the backline.

Things to Watch for

What formation will the Loons come out in?

The Loons came out in a 4-2-3-1 against D.C. United with a limited squad. Will they stick with the formation that gave them mixed results on Wednesday and might be better suited for the squad in the future? Or will they revert back to 3-5-2 that has gotten them through the majority of the season

Will Romario Ibarra get a start after a very strong international showing?

Ibarra started for Ecuador during the international break and scored a goal against Guatemala. He has yet to start this season besides having some strong substitute appearances. If the Loons come out in the 4-2-3-1 again, he should come in and start ahead of Danladi on the wing opposite of Miguel Ibarra. It would be beneficial for Minnesota United FC to see what Romario can give to the squad over 90 minutes.

 

Projected Line-Up(4-2-3-1)

————Rodriguez———–

Romario—Quintero—–Ibarra

—-Maximiniano— Bob——–

Calvo—-Boxal—Boxall—-Miller

———-Shuttleworth———–

If Eric Miller is unable to go again, Carter Manley or Mark Burch could fill in at fullback. Schuller could start in midfield and have the freedom to roam forward while Bob or Maximiniano stay back to shield the back-line. One of the observations from the DC United was that the offense and defense were not connected well. Darwin Quintero often fell back into the midfield to receive the ball and start the attack. Starting Schuller in the midfield could help fix this scenario.