Minnesota United: 3 takeaways from the RSL match

Minnesota United hosted RSL on Saturday night, and won 4-2, earning 3 big points at home. The win was Minnesota’s first in MLS, and gave fans some hope.

Minnesota United grabbed their first ever Major League Soccer win against Real Salt Lake. Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s match:

Christian Ramirez looks like the real deal

The former NASL Golden Boot winner netted a brace against RSL, bringing his season tally to four goals in five matches. Ramirez continues to show that he belongs at the MLS level, and is silencing his doubters who didn’t think he would perform in MLS.

If Ramirez can keep up this form, it may help Minnesota earn more wins moving forward. Adrian Heath will certainly be hoping that “Superman” can keep finding the back of the net.

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The Loons may have found their starting back four

With the exception of RSL’s first goal, Minnesota’s back line looked solid throughout the match on Saturday. It featured Justin Davis at left back, Francisco Calvo and Brent Kallman at center back, and Jerome Thiesson at right back.

Thiesson and Calvo really stood out, while Davis and Kallman were solid again. Considering the Loons’ defensive struggles, they should stay with this back four, and only change it when there is an injury, or international duty.

If this back four can start to become more cohesive and build chemistry, then Minnesota may be a force to be reckoned with moving forward. The arrival of veteran midfielder Sam Cronin should also help Minnesota’s back four, as he’s one of the best holding mids in MLS.

The backline will get a much tougher test in their next match against FC Dallas on April 8.

Bashkim Kadrii should start on the left wing

After four matches of relative mediocrity on the left wing, with Kadrii starting one of those and Miguel Ibarra starting three, Kadrii got a chance to start again and played very well. The Dane was dangerous throughout the match, creating several chances, and putting two shots (both saved by Nick Rimando) on frame.

Considering that it’s the first match where the left winger was a standout, Adrian Heath should reward Kadrii with another start against FC Dallas next week.

Next: Minnesota, Colorado complete blockbuster trade

Minnesota United will travel to Frisco, Texas next Saturday to play against the current US Open Cup and Supporter’s Shield holders FC Dallas.