Minnesota United Seek Advantage at Home Against Austin FC
In the wake of losing consecutive street matches at Seattle and Dallas, Minnesota Joined get back to Holy person Paul, Minn., where they have lost quite recently once in nine matches this season. The Nut cases will have Austin FC on Saturday night, expecting to use major areas of strength for them record.
Minnesota United’s Home Strength
The Loons (8-5-5, 29 points) are 4-1-4 at home this season. In contrast, Austin FC (6-7-6, 24 points) have struggled on the road with a 1-5-3 record. This match is a rematch of their season opener on February 24, which Minnesota won 2-1 in Austin.
Recent Form and Defensive Concerns
Minnesota comes into this match off an ugly 5-3 loss at FC Dallas on Wednesday. It was the most goals allowed in a match by the Loons since August 11, 2023, when they were blanked by Nashville 5-0 in a Leagues Cup contest. Despite allowing only four goals in their previous three matches, the Loons conceded three goals over a 28-minute span in the second half against Dallas.
“If I was a betting man, I would have said we’d be a strong defensive team tonight, i thought if we had issues, it’d be more with how we used the ball. We created good spells of control in the game, really impressive in that area. But we conceded five goals. … When we made mistakes, we were punished for it.”
Eric Ramsay
Absences and Challenges
Minnesota was without nine regulars due to international duty, injuries, and suspensions. This list included goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and leading goal scorer Tani Oluwaseyi, who are playing for Canada in the Copa America, as well as injured striker Teemu Pukki (knee).
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Austin FC’s Recent Struggles
Austin FC, winless in their last five matches (0-3-2), will be playing their third match in an eight-day stretch. They managed a 1-1 draw with second-place Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, snapping LAFC’s six-match winning streak. However, the draw was bittersweet as LAFC tied the match on their only shot on goal in the 90th minute, a header by Kei Kamara. Jader Obrian had given Austin an early lead in the 19th minute.
“The guys put up a heck of a fight and we just weren’t able to get over the finish line,” Austin coach Josh Wolff said.
Key Player Absences for Austin
Austin will also be without key starters due to Copa America commitments: midfielder Dani Pereira (Venezuela) and defender Julio Cascante (Costa Rica). Additionally, midfielder Jhojan Valencia will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.
Conclusion
Both Minnesota United and Austin FC are dealing with significant difficulties and absences as they prepare to host each other. Minnesota wants to make the most of their excellent home record and recover from their recent defensive woes. In the meantime, Austin wants to end their losing streak and get over the exhaustion of a packed schedule. With the two groups missing central participants, the match vows to be a trial of profundity and strength for the two crews.
“The guys put up a heck of a fight and we just weren’t able to get over the finish line,”
Josh Wolff