Minnesota United Get First Result of the Season Against Colorado

Despite going down to 10 men, Minnesota United drew 2-2 with the Rapids in Colorado, to secure their first-ever point in MLS. Here are 3 key takeaways.

Minnesota picked up a point! After going down 1-0 to a very injury stricken Colorado side, the Loons fought their way to a 2-1 lead and eventually held on to a 2-2 draw, getting their first result of the season. Here are three things Minnesota can take away from their match:

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The former NASL players can contribute, too

Perhaps the biggest reason that Minnesota was able to earn a key road point on Saturday night was the performance of their former NASL players. Filling in for the struggling Vadim Demidov, center back Brent Kallman was excellent in the back, and appeared to take somewhat of a leadership role in helping organize his fellow defenders. Brazilian midfielder Ibson was subbed on to start the second half, and immediately made an impact on the match. He made several key passes, including one which resulted in Collen Warner earning a penalty, which Kevin Molino calmly slotted in. Christian Ramirez meanwhile, was able to get his head to a cross which beat Tim Howard, and put Minnesota ahead 2-1, before they conceded an equalizer about a minute later. The former NASL players will certainly need to stay in form if Minnesota hopes to have success this season.

Jèrôme Thiesson is a substantial improvement over Jermaine Taylor

With a full week of practice under his belt, Swiss full back Jèrôme Thiesson was solid at right back, before being moved to Left back after Justin Davis was sent off, but he was solid there as well. Despite picking up a yellow card late in the match, Thiesson did a good job of locking down his flank, and was a breath of fresh air after Jamaican international Jermaine Taylor was consistently shredded throughout the first two matches. It was just one match, but perhaps the Loons have found their man at right back moving forward.

Going with a 4-2-3-1 formation was a much needed change

Manager Adrian Heath went with a 4-2-3-1 formation against Colorado, which was a change from the 4-3-3 that the Loons ran during the first matches, and it worked. The 4-2-3-1 resulted in less congestion in the central midfield, and Johan Venegas playing as a true #10 throughout the matches resulting in more going forward in the attack. It will be interesting to see what Heath runs next week, especially with 4 starters away on international duty.

Next: Minnesota vs Colorado: 3 things to watch for

Minnesota will not have a week off but will travel to New England to play the Revolution next Saturday, March 25th looking to claim a second result of the season.