Minnesota United: 3 key takeaways from the Houston match

After going down 2-0 in the the first half, Minnesota fought back in the second half. They scored twice to draw 2-2, earning a crucial road point in Houston.

Here are three key takeaways from Minnesota United’s 2-2 draw to the Dynamo in Houston.

A tough night for injuries

Despite earning a crucial road point, Minnesota had two starters leave the match late in the first half. Central midfielder Rasmus Schüller left with what has now been diagnosed as a hip flexor, while starting Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth left with an apparent concussion.

The severity of the injuries, and the time each player will miss, is unknown at this point. These would be two big losses for the Loons though, so hopefully they can come back sooner, rather than later.

Apr 15, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo midfielder Oscar Garcia (27) and forward Erick Torres (9) celebrate a goal by forward Alberth Elis (17) against the Minnesota United in the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Adrian Heath should play wide players out wide

This seems like it shouldn’t need to be said, but it does. It needs to be said because Adrian Heath tried playing central midfielder Rasmus Schüller out wide on the left, in what was described as a hybrid position. It did not work. I understand wanting to get your best XI out there, but this simply did not work, and hopefully we never see it again.

Once Rasmus Schüller left injured, Miguel Ibarra (an actual wide player) was subbed in to play on the left, and the impact was immediate. Ibarra played his best minutes since 2014, and the attack as a whole was affected. Minnesota scored twice with Ibarra out wide, and while it may not have been all Ibarra, he definitely helped. Hopefully Heath will learn from this, and only play wingers out wide from now on.

Jerômè Thiesson continues to perform

On a night where the defense as a whole was impressive for the most part, the standout player was Swiss right back Jerômè Thiesson, who was solid once again. The former FC Luzern man has been one of Minnesota’s most consistent performers this season, and turned in another strong performance for the Loons on Saturday night.

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A bit of an emergency signing just before the season opener, Thiesson has brought stability to a position that was thought to be the Loons’ weakest before he was signed. It would be huge for the Loons if Thiesson is able to maintain his current form.

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