Alex Bader
The Minnesota United Loons picked up a huge point in their season opener against a talented Philadelphia Union team. The Loons were down several players, but their depth guys stepped up and they were rewarded with a much-deserved draw.
Minnesota will rue the missed chances, but all in all, it was a positive start to the MLS season.
BADER'S TAKE:
The depth of the Loons was on full display in their season opener.
With several key starters out of the lineup due to injuries that occurred last week, the Loons needed their depth guys to come up big and they did just that.
Without their captain, Will Trapp, they managed to disrupt the middle of the field enough to disrupt the Union attack. Without Chase Gasper and Romain Mêtanire, they did an excellent job at defending.
United struggled to break out of their D-zone and missing those three guys was a key reason for that. Gasper and Métanire both get up the field and join the attack so well that they are key guys to miss. Will Trapp is an excellent midfield player who demands the ball and can control the whole team.
Going on the road against a strong Union team, down key players, and picking up a point is a great way to start the season for the Loons.
It may not have been a win, but it was a solid team effort. This is the type of result and effort that can bring together a team and generate that camaraderie that championship teams have.
They now get ready for their home opener on the backs of a great positive team effort.
It was an incredible result from a team that is so depleted at the moment. Just imagine what the result would have been if they had their whole team healthy. I would guess a resounding win.
This team is competitive, but when they have the full complement of their starting 11 they will be feared to play against.
Game Recap:
The Minnesota United Loons had a very difficult task ahead of them on their opening day. They had to open the season on the road against the #2 finishers in the East from last season, the Philadelphia Union.
Minnesota suffered several losses to injury this week leading up to the opener. Chase Gasper, Will Trapp, Jacori Hayes, and Romain Métanire were all sidelined. All guys are starting when they are healthy.
Their depth was about to be tested very early in the season.
Minnesota started very well. They left some chances on the table that they might be thinking about after the game.
Luis Amarilla almost had an early goal after he broke away from the Union line, but he couldn't corral the ball on his cut back.
In the 23rd minute, it was the archer, Robin Lod, who scored to put the Loons up 1-0. It was the first goal of the MLS 2022 season.
Fragapane made an excellent run down the left side of the field and crossed the ball back to the penalty spot where Robin Lod smashed it past the Union keeper.
However, it was short-lived as the Union struck back 15 minutes later to tie the game at 1-1. Cory Burke had an incredible strike and Tyler Miller had no chance in net for Minnesota.
Both teams had a free-kick and a chance late in the first half to take the lead into halftime, but the defenses stood tall.
With how shorthanded the Loons are at the moment, going into the break tied on the road was positive.
However, they got the first goal of the game and then seemingly stopped playing and allowed pressure which led to the Union goal. This has happened before and hopefully Heath will address this.
The second half started with action on both ends.
It was a fast-paced second half with the action going from end to end. Both teams had chances, but neither could break the tie.
With the deadlock unbroken, the Union decided to make their first change at the 68th-minute mark. Midfielder Jack McGlynn came on for Leon Flach.
In hopes that fresh energy will bring them the goal ahead goal, the Union made two more changes at the 74th minute. Paxten Aaronson came on for Dániel Gazdag and Sérgio Santos came on for Julián Carranza.
Adrien Heath made his first change of the day at the 77th minute. Minnesota brought on Bongokuhle Hlongwane for Fragapane. Hlongwane made his MLS debut.
In the 79th minute, Brent Kallman collided heads with Union player, Burke. He remained on the field. If the injury somehow lingers and affects his status for next week the Loons could be in trouble with an already a depleted defense.
The last 20 minutes of the game were completely dominated by the Union. Minnesota was holding on for dear life.
Heath brought on Hunou for Luis Amarilla in the 83rd minute. Heath wanted to try to generate some forward play, but the Union continued to press.
Amarilla had a good game and had a few chances. Not every shot is going to go in, but he looked eager and you can tell his form is much better than it was two years ago when he was here.
With seven minutes of added time, the end of the game was sure to be thrilling.
Hunou had an incredible break and nearly put the Loons up if it wasn't for the great save by the Union keeper, Blake.
The Loons picked up a much-deserved point and continue the 2022 season with an unblemished record.
What's Next:
The Minnesota United will look forward to their home opener next Saturday against Nashville SC. Minnesota will be the favorite and hopefully, they can get some guys back from injury. Even if they get one of those guys back from injury it could make a huge difference.
Allianz has historically been a difficult place to play for opposing teams and the hope is that the Loons and their fans can continue the magic wonderwall.
Saturday, March 5, 2022. at 5:00 p. m. central time
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