Behind Enemy Lines: Scouting Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC visits FC Dallas for the first time in its MLS history. FC Dallas will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss on Tuesday night in Mexico.

Loons Riding High

Minnesota United FC hosted Real Salt Lake last week and recorded its first-ever MLS victory in front of 17,000+ fans at TCF Bank Stadium. Christian Ramirez and Kevin Molino had a field day and, coupled with a Rimando howler, led their team to a 4-2 victory.

Potential Loon Lineup

Here was last week’s squad that defeated Real Salt Lake:

MLS

Minnesota United FC recently acquired two very solid MLS veterans from the Colorado Rapids, Sam Cronin and Matt Burch. You would expect both of them to make their debuts on Saturday. If they do, the lineup could look something like this:

MLS

Burch and Cronin could be inserted for Davis and Warner (or Ibson), but I expect the team to stay the same. I also would not be shocked to see Schuller plugged into the midfield. If that is the case, it would be a 4-1-4-1 with Cronin or Warner playing the holding role.

Key Matchup

FC Dallas DMs vs. Molino

Molino has been one of the lone bright spots for MNUFC so far this season. He has the vision and the speed to punish any defense at any given time. If Carlos Gruezo and Kellyn Acosta do start, this should be a fun matchup to watch. If we get Carlos Cermeno there instead of one of them, it would make that tussle even more important.

Keys to the Match

Minnesota’s Confidence

Now that Minnesota has tasted that sweet victory, will it be able to build on their last match and put together a solid 90 minutes in one of the most formidable settings in MLS? Ramirez and Molino need to be shut down or Minnesota can score 1-2 goals in any given match.

FC Dallas’ Offensive Rebound

On the flip side, FC Dallas had a dreadful week so far. Will there be some sort of a hangover after the travel and tough defeat in Mexico? For FC Dallas to win, there absolutely cannot be. The offense needs to finish its chances and it will have plenty against the MNUFC defense. If FC Dallas can score one or two goals early, that should do it. Can this be the match that Colman get his first MLS goal?