Minnesota United FC Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. DC. United

Preview (September 11, 2018) – With all the suspensions and players on international duty, Minnesota United FC will have a very few options to choose from on Wednesday. There is some good news however, Darwin Quintero should return from injury to play against D.C. United.

On to the bad news, two of the team’s top center backs in Francisco Calvo and Micheal Boxall are suspended for the matchup against D.C. United. Also gone on international duty, is Ramus Schuller for Finland and Romario Ibarra for Ecuador.

Minnesota United FC Preview: At D.C. United

When: Wednesday, September 12th, 6:30 pm CT

Where: Audi Field, Washington D.C.

Watch: Streamed on ESPN and FOX Sports North

With the suspension of Calvo and Boxall, the Loons might have to use four in the back instead of their normal three. Wyatt Omsberg could man one of the center back with Brett Kallman but there is little cover behind them, especially if Eric Miller is unable to go. This will probably result in Adrian Heath deploying his previously preferred position in the 4-2-3-1. Jerome Thiesson could start at one fullback position and Alexi Gomez could man the other fullback position.

This is likely dependent on the status of Miller’s injury as he has experience in a back three and could pair with Omsberg and Kallman to keep the 3-5-2 formation. Miller has been listed as day-to-day but hopefully will able to go on Wednesday

As for replacing Rasmus Schuller, Collin Martin is a good fit to come in and fill his position. A wildcard would be new signing Fernando Bob coming in and starting but that is a long shot. He is recently without a club and likely is not up to speed with the team and fitness-wise.

With the injuries and suspensions, as well as the Loons, being a long shot for the playoffs, this could be a good game to for the Loons to see what they have for next season. The likely start for Omsberg will be a good indicator of how he has progressed. Also, Mason Toye or Abu Dalandi could get a shot as the offensive sub of the bench with Romario Ibarra gone.

Things to Watch for

How will Omsberg perform in his likely start?

Wyatt Omsberg has only appeared in four games this season with two of the starts. The games he has played in he has performed reasonably well in. He will have his hands full with the attacking duo of Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta. With a likely start on Wednesday, how will he perform? Could this be a platform for more appearances or starts as the season winds down?

Will Fernando Bob make an appearance?

Minnesota United FC ended their long search for a replacement for Sam Cronin and a new #6 when they signed Brazilian Fernando Bob. Bob is a veteran of the Brazilian top flight and caught Adrian Heath’s eye a couple years ago during a friendly. He was likely brought in to be a key contributor to the team next season but it will be interesting how he integrates and performs in the squad to close out this season. An appearance by Bob could give a good glimpse into how the team will look next season.