Minnesota United FC again had another game with two different halves. The first half was some of the best soccer the Loons have played this season, while the second half they almost lost the three-goal lead they built in the first half.
Romario Ibarra showed how dangerous he can be, and why the Loons signed him, with two goals in the first half. Darwin Quintero was again dangerous with two assists. Francisco Calvo showed promise at left back, where he plays for Costa Rica.
Once again Minnesota United was promising through the majority of the game but a couple lapses of concentration almost cost them the game. They will have another tough game with NYCFC coming to TCF Bank Stadium.
Minnesota United-New York City FC Preview
When: Saturday, September 29th, 7:00 pm CT
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
Watch: Streamed on ESPN and FOX Sports North
Things to Watch for
Will the Loons Stick With the 4-2-3-1 Formation With Maximiniano and Fernando Bob?
Defensive midfielders Fernando Bob and Maximiniano are both suspended due to cards. They have been the two defensive mids in the Loons recent switch to the 4-2-3-1. With them both suspended will they revert back to the 3-5-2 or will they be replaced by Collen Warner, Ibson or others.
Perhaps having one defensive mid, such as Warner in the formation and Rasmus Schuller further up the pitch may be a good option for the Loons.
Will Francisco Calvo Stay at Fullback?
Team captain Francisco Calvo has started at left-back the last two games and has shown well. He features there regularly for the Costa Rican national team but has not played there much in his time with the Loons.
Will he continue to feature there and is it a look into the future? The position allows him to get forward and highlight his ball skills. It also helps cover up his aerial weakness but he has improved in that category since the beginning of the season.
Projected Line-up
—————Rodriguez———–—–
—Danladi—Quintero—–Ibarra–
——-Warner—-— Schuller–——–-
Calvo—-Kallman—Boxall–Miller
————-Shuttleworth———–—–
