Minnesota United vs Toronto FC will be a game that will start between two teams of different conferences on Saturday at Allianz Field. TFC have gotten four points in their last two games while Minnesota have been winless in their last four games in all competitions.
Minnesota United vs Toronto FC Predictions at BMO Field
Minnesota United FC (2-1-2)
The team that plays in the state of Minnesota has struggled as of late. The Loons are now winless in their last four games in all competitions. The team though does have some positives. This is what Adrian Heath, head coach of Minnesota United FC, said about the game (source: David La Vaque of Star Tribune).
“I’m devastated for the players,” Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath told reporters on a postgame video call. “I’m disappointed with the results but certainly not disappointed with the players. Their performance and effort were magnificent.”
26'
Joseph gets a second chance and leaves no doubt. 1-1.#ATXvMIN | #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/26dPiJiwEk
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 1, 2023
Minnesota had two goals disallowed on Wednesday. This included Minnesota’s Joseph Rosales, who had his first goal disallowed. However, he would score a goal that counted in the 26-minute. It would be his first goal scored in MLS play.
Some players need to be wary of Rosales, whose confidence might be close to a high after scoring his first-ever MLS goal. Forward, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, is another player to watch for, as he leads the team in goals, and almost found the equalizer against Austin FC. There is also Ménder García, who is tied for second-most goals with two and is co-leading the assists category for the team with Robin Lod.
Toronto FC (1-2-2)
After struggling to get results for most of the MLS season, it looks like TFC is finally back on track. With a win and a draw in their last two games, TFC would like this momentum to continue in Minnesota. Bob Bradley had a very simple analysis of how the game went (source: James Grossi of Toronto FC):
Night ends in a draw. #TORvCHI | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/1ImiJIq1dm
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) June 1, 2023
“Created a lot of chances, especially in the first half – needed to get a goal for sure by half-time,” said Bob Bradley post-match. “Second half, they sat a little deeper and we were not able to create as much.”
Despite being on the road, TFC forced Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper, Spencer Richey, to make seven saves at Soldier Field.
READ MORE: Federico Bernardeschi: His Influence with Toronto FC
A player to watch is Richie Laryea, he won Player of the Match in last Wednesday’s game, and he will be a player that will cause Minnesota a lot of trouble. He is likely going to be a player to watch for Minnesota. Laryea has two goals and two assists so far as he tied in goals with Deandre Kerr and Mark-Anthony Kaye. There is also, of course, the dangerous duo of Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, along with goalkeeper, Sean Johnson. Bernardeschi has three goals and three assists each, while Insigne had two assists in the win over Austin FC.
Head-to-Head
These two teams have only met each other three times. In fact, both teams have not met each other since Toronto FC defeated Minnesota United FC at BMO Field 4-3 on April 20, 2019. TFC has also not travelled to Minnesota since the 4-3 loss on July 4, Happy Independence Day, by a score of 4-3. Toronto FC currently has the edge with two wins and one loss.
Injuries/Suspensions
Minnesota United has a fair amount of injuries. According to the transfermarkt, Bakaye Dibassy has been out since August 28, 2022, with a thigh muscle rupture and the center-back’s return is still unknown. Another centre-back, Mikael Marqués, is also injured, on May 6, 2023, with an ankle injury. Lod, the left-midfielder, is also injured with a torn meniscus since May 19, 2023. This is while left-back, Ryen Jiba, is currently out with an injury since February 21, 2023.
NEWS: The club has waived defender Doneil Henry. The move opens up an international roster spot. pic.twitter.com/C8JIQqMcnx
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 1, 2023
There are also two players suspended. Lastly, centre-forward, Luis Amarilla, has been out since January 1 with visa issues while attacking midfielder, Emanuel Reynoso has been out since February 11. Minnesota has also recently waived Canadian defender, Doneil Henry.
TFC also has its fair share of injuries (source: transfermarkt). Centre-Forward, Adama Diomande has been out since May 15 of a leg injury, defensive midfielder, Alonso Coello is out with an unknown injury since May 10. Also, centre-back, Shane O’Neill, has been out since May 8 with a leg injury.
Players who have been out a bit longer include attacking midfielder, Víctor Vázquez. He has been out with a leg injury since April 5. This is while central midfielders Michael Bradley has been out since April 16 with a hamstring injury and Jonathan Osorio has been out since April 25 with ligament problems.
Minnesota United vs Toronto FC Predictions for June 3, 2023
Minnesota United FC 1 – Toronto FC 2
This game can go either way. Both teams played fairly well in their last game. TFC, however, just seems to be in better form, and with Insigne and Bernardeschi both playing together now, they could home out of Minnesota with a win at Allianz Field.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports, of a Mark-Anthony Kaye Headshot on May 31, 2023.
