Minnesota United will hope to close the gap on Real Salt Lake when they welcome FC Dallas this weekend.
FC Dallas are gearing up for a challenging match against Minnesota United on Saturday night in Saint Paul, Minn., as they continue their quest for a first road win this season. Currently sitting with a record on a mere 13 points, Dallas has struggled away from home, failing to win any of their eight games.
With third placed Minnesota up next, the task is unlikely to get any easier. This fixture marks the culmination of one of their toughest scheduling stretches, as they will be playing their fifth match in just 18 days, including encounters with four of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Toros embarked on this taxing schedule with a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the U.S. Open Cup on May 22. They then managed a spirited 3-3 draw at home against Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake three days later. However, the strain of frequent high-level competition showed as they subsequently fell to two back-to-back losses in Los Angeles – a 3-1 defeat to fourth-place LA Galaxy and a narrow 2-1 loss to second-place Los Angeles FC.
Despite these recent setbacks, Dallas will be looking to break their winless streak on the road and gain some much-needed momentum. The squad’s resilience and ability to compete closely with top-tier teams indicate that they could pose a significant challenge for Minnesota United in this upcoming fixture.
The home side, on the other hand are currently third in the Western Conference, trailing leaders Real Salt Lake by five points. With two games in hand, Minnesota can secure top spot if they win both matches.
The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Minnesota United
Aside from a tough road loss to the red-hot LAFC last week, Minnesota United have demonstrated that their place near the top of the league standings is no accident.
In their recent bounceback win over Sporting Kansas City, Minnesota showcased their ability to recover swiftly from setbacks. This resilience will be crucial as they prepare to host FC Dallas, another Western Conference opponent currently grappling with form and looking for their first road win of the season.
Minnesota are heading into their matchup against FC Dallas with a significantly reduced squad due to international duty. Nine players are unavailable, including several key performers who have been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
Kervin Arriaga and Joseph Rosales, crucial in the midfield, are among those absent. Forward Tani Oluwaseyi and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who have both been in stellar form, will also be missed. The attacking prowess of Robin Lod and Teemu Pukki, alongside the defensive reliability of Carlos Harvey, Alejandro Bran, and Zarek Valentin, leaves the Loons without many of their top contributors.
In addition to these international absences, the Loons were without Franco Fragapane last weekend due to a leg issue, and Hugo Bacharach remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
A 3-4-3 formation is likely to be used as Minnesota make use of their strength in depth. Clint Irwin should start in goal behind the back three of Victor Eriksson, Michael Boxall and Miguel Tapias.
Wil Trapp and Hassani Dotson should hold the fort in midfield, with D. J. Taylor and Devin Padelford providing the width. Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Jeong Sang-bin should start further upfield, providing support to striker Jordan Adebayo-Smith.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Irwin, Eriksson, Boxall, Tapias; Taylor, Trapp, Dotson, Padelford; Hlongwane, Adebayo-Smith, Sang-Bin
FC Dallas
The visitors are struggling to make the playoffs and have a difficult road ahead in order to achieve it. With Minnesota up next, the task isnt any easier.
Dallas heads into their match against Minnesota United with a roster impacted by significant injuries and a recent suspension. Paxton Pomykal is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee, while Alan Velasco is sidelined with torn MCL and ACL ligaments. Geovane Jesus is also recovering from an ACL tear.
On a more positive note, defender Nkosi Tafari is eligible to return after serving a one-match suspension for a red card received in their 3-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Goalkeeper Maarten Paes has been a standout performer despite the team’s struggles and should continue in between the sticks. He will be protected by the back three of Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari and Sam Junqua.
Sebastian Lletget and Asier Illaramendi should form the central midfield pairing, with Ema Twumasi and Marco Farfanproviding the width. Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira should act as dual number tens with Petar Musa leading the line.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Paes; Ibeagha, Tafari, Junqua; Twumasi, Lletget, Illaramendi, Farfan; Arriola, Ferreria, Musa
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Dallas have the second poorest attack in MLS with just 17 goals scored.
- Dallas have not come away with three points at Allianz Field since 2018.
- Dallas are yet to win away from home thi season.
- Minnesota are nbeaten in their last 4 home matches in MLS.
Player to Watch
Robin Lod
Lod’s impact for Minnesota United was evident once again as he came off the bench to score against Kansas City last Saturday. This marked his seventh consecutive regular-season home match with a goal contribution, a feat that ties him with Darwin Quintero for the second-longest streak in club history.
Remarkably, Lod previously set the bar even higher with a streak of 13 consecutive home matches with a goal contribution during the 2020-21 season, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in MNUFC’s attacking prowess at home. He will once again be expected to contribute off the bench on the night.
Prediction
Minnesota United 2-0 FC Dallas
Despite facing significant roster challenges, Coach Ramsay has consistently demonstrated his tactical acumen, instilling confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and succeed even in adverse circumstances. With Minnesota United being heavily depleted for this match due to international duties and injuries, Ramsay’s strategic prowess will be crucial in maximizing the team’s available resources.
Facing a FC Dallas side grappling with confidence issues and offensive struggles, the Loons have an opportunity to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities.
