Minnesota United FC vs. LAFC | 2018 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

Minnesota United FC vs. LAFC
2018 MLS Regular Season — Week 21
TCF Bank Stadium — Minneapolis
July 22 - 7 pm ET
WATCH: TSN 2, ESPN+

Two Western Conference foes coming off midweek triumphs meet at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday as Minnesota United FC host LAFC.

The Loons have won back-to-back games for the third time this season after defeating the New England Revolution in league play, while LAFC knocked off the Portland Timbers, 3-2, in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.

LAFC earned a 2-0 win at Minnesota in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in May with Eduard Atuesta and Mark-Anthony Kaye scoring six minutes apart in the first half.

Minnesota United FC

Christian Ramirez and Darwin Quintero scored at both ends of the first half to help lift Minnesota to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution Wednesday night at TCF Bank Stadium.

Ramirez put the Loons (8-11-1) in front in the 5th minute, pouncing on an errant headed ball by Jalil Anibaba and cleverly chipping over Matt Turner, who was off his line to play a potential back pass. Quintero then doubled Minnesota’s lead just before the break with a sensational solo effort.

Diego Fagundez pulled the Revolution a goal back in the 52nd minute, beating former teammate Bobby Shuttleworth with a penalty kick up the middle after Alexi Gomez pushed over Kelyn Rowe. But Shuttleworth wouldn’t allow an equalizer, making six saves in the win.

“We got a lot of reward for what we put in over the last few weeks,” Adrian Heath said. “It was a monumental effort against a really well organized, aggressive and athletic team. I am pleased to be sitting here with three points.”

Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: M - Rasmus Schuller
International duty: None
Injury Report: OUT: M - Sam Cronin (cervicogenic dysfunction), M - Kevin Molino (torn left ACL), M - Ethan Finlay (torn ACL), D - Jerome Thiesson (right leg injury); QUESTIONABLE: D - Marc Burch (left knee injury), F - Abu Danladi (left leg injury), D - Eric Miller (left hamstring injury)

Projected Starting XI
(3-5-2, right to left)
GK: Bobby Shuttleworth — Michael Boxall, Brent Kallman, Francisco Calvo — Miguel Ibarra, Ibson, Collen Warner, Rasmus Schuller, Alexi Gomez — Christian Ramirez, Darwin Quintero

Notes: Minnesota have won three straight MLS home games – their longest such streak in league play, scoring nine goals in the three matches. They had nine goals in their previous eight home matches. … Quintero is averaging 1.1 goals+assists per game since the beginning of June. Among players who have made at least five appearances, only five have a better average in that time.

LAFC

LAFC’s remarkable march in the U.S. Open Cup continues to the semifinals following a 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium.

A David Guzman own goal put the hosts in front in the 33rd minute and Carlos Vela doubled the lead for LAFC (10-4-5) five minutes later. Julio Cascante pulled Portland to within a goal in first-half stoppage time. Marco Urena and Vytas exchanged goals one minute apart early in the second half, as LAFC held on for the victory.

“Seeing Carlos [Vela], Dio [Adama Diomande], and Benny [Feilhaber] be smart about holding onto the ball and playing it into the corner a little bit, it’s a good way to finish the game.” Bob Bradley said. “I think the guys know that we haven’t done that well enough so tonight is something that we feel good about.”

Suspended: M - Lee Nguyen
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None
Injury Report: OUT: GK - Quillan Roberts (right fibular fracture), M - Eduard Atuesta (left ankle sprain)

Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3, right to left)
GK: Tyler Miller — Steven Beitashour, Walker Zimmerman, Laurent Ciman, Jordan Harvey — Benny Feilhaber, Andre Horta, Carlos Vela — Latif Blessing, Adama Diomande, Diego Rossi

Notes: LAFC are undefeated in their last six league games (4W-2D), though they did see their run of 14 games with a goal snapped in their 0-0 draw against Portland last weekend. They had averaged 3.2 goals in the five games before the scoreless draw. … Diomande (seven) and Latif Blessing (six) are two of four players with 6+ goals+assists in the month of July.