Minnesota United: 3 key Takeaways vs. Colorado

Minnesota United were able to secure 3 points against in front of the home crowd, winning 1-0. A Miguel Ibarra goal broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute.

Here are 3 key takeaways from Minnesota United’s big win over the Rapids.

First shutout

It took until their 8th match, but the Loons have finally earned a shutout in MLS. Though Colorado isn’t exactly known as an attacking juggernaut, it is still an encouraging sign, as well as a big confidence boost for Minnesota’s back line.

Minnesota’s defense had by far their best match of the season as a unit. There was constant communication from the defenders, and all four of them, as well as holding mid Sam Cronin, had solid matches. This is an encouraging sign for the Loons, as they showed cohesion and were well organized. Had you told a Loons fan that would happen in April after the first 2 matches, they likely wouldn’t have believed you.

Batman takes flight

Winger Miguel Ibarra, affectionately known as “Batman” by Minnesota supporters, finally opened his MLS account with a diving header in the 72nd minute. The goal gave the Loons a 1-0 lead, and eventually secured the 3 points.

Ibarra’s history with Minnesota United goes back to 2012 when the Loons were still playing in NASL, so scoring a goal like that to give his club the lead, especially in front of the home fans, was certainly a big moment for the US international.

Building momentum

These were a huge 3 points for the Loons, as they hope to continue the momentum they’ve been building in recent weeks. The win moves Minnesota into 8th place in the Western Conference, which may not seem particularly noteworthy, but it certainly comes as a bit of a surprise after the way the Loons started the season.

If you take away the first 2 matches, where the team clearly lacked an identity, and the New England match where Minnesota was missing 6 starters against a full-strength Revolution squad, the Loons really haven’t been that bad. Their only loss over the last 4 matches has been a 2-0 loss to a very talented Dallas team, but they played well against Dallas, and had Jesse Gonzalez not stood on his head in Frisco, we might have seen a different result.

The point here is that the Loons have looked much better in recent weeks, and the preseason claims of “worst team in MLS history” (looking at you, Grant Wahl) are looking less likely by the week, even after they seemed guaranteed to come true after the Atlanta match.

Next: Minnesota United: 3 things to watch for vs Colorado

It will be interesting to see if Adrian Heath and the Loons can keep up the good form, and continue to prove the doubters wrong.

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Minnesota United: 3 key Takeaways vs. Colorado

By Tyler Hanson | Apr 24, 2017

Minnesota United were able to secure 3 points against in front of the home crowd, winning 1-0. A Miguel Ibarra goal broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute.

First shutout

Batman takes flight

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Building momentum