Loony Report #2
Heading into the 4th week of the season, the Loons have jumped out to a solid start. After falling to the revamped Carolina Warhawks, Minnesota United’s stingy defense has kicked into gear, recording 2 clean sheets in wins over FC Edmonton and Fort Lauderdale. First year head coach Carl Craig has to breathing a sigh of relief after the Loons had a less than spectacular initial showing during the preseason. With Week 4 looming that same reprieve will likely disappear when the New York Cosmos make their first visit to Blaine this Saturday.
With a long season still ahead, this early season top 3 showdown is pivotal. For United this is a chance to earn three points, and possibly move into a first place tie with Carolina. The Cosmos will be trying to shake a tough 2-1 loss to Indy last week, and get back on track as they try to repeat last year’s championship run. Here are 5 things you need to know heading into Saturday’s showdown:
1.) Minnesota United is currently winless against New York.
Yes. You read that correctly. As it stands the Loons have yet to register a win since NYC joined the league in 2013. Last year, United went 0-2-1 against the Cosmos. The key to the game will be how aggressive United to start the match. Both teams are very evenly matched with identical records, and playing styles so this test will be an important one for both teams this early.
2.) Minnesota United’s Defense Registered 2 Cleansheets so far.
The Loons have been stout on the defensive side after being blitzed by Carolina in the opening match. Last week, Fort Lauderdale only recorded 5 shots on goal, and only one was on target. Damian Lowe has contributed greatly to United’s defensive effort. On loan from the Seattle Sounders, the center back efforts have also extended to the offensive end, recording his first goal of the 2016 campaign in week 3.
3.) How will New York respond after a let down in Indy?
Prior to Week 3, the Cosmos jumped out to a hot start recording 2 clean sheets against Ottawa and Jacksonville. Last week’s match could be deemed a fluke, but the NY’s defence is to blame in the end, giving up 2 goals in stoppage time. A win against United would surely put the Cosmos back a track in their quest for back to back league championships
4.) Christian Ramirez and Ben Speas might be a match made in heaven.
After Miguel Ibarra departed last year, many question surrounding a suitable replacement arose. Ben Speas could be the answer. In Week 2, Speas recorded 2 goals against FC Edmonton, along with an assist in last week’s match. A huge sigh of relief to Ramirez, as Speas has been a great addition to the Loons attacking front.
5.) Tie for first place on the line for Minnesota United?
Even with the opening loss, a win this week could possibly send the Loons into a tie with Carolina for first place. Of course, if the season were to end today, the Railhawks would own the tie breaker. Nonetheless its a great start compared to last season a win until Week 5 of the 2015 campaign. United current start trails behind 2014, which is the same year the club took home the NASL Championship Cup.
