Minnesota United: 3 key takeaways vs San Jose

Minnesota had a golden opportunity for points against a struggling Earthquakes team. The defense was good, but the attack was quiet, and the Loons lost 1-0.

Minnesota United came up short in front of the home crowd at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday night. Here are three key takeaways from the match.

Francisco Calvo is for real

Though he’s been pretty good all season, it’s taken a consistent back line to show how good the Costa Rican international really is. Though the rest of the back line was also solid on Saturday, Calvo stood out.

Francisco was a force, using his athleticism to win aerial battles, as well as intercepting passes, and winning nearly every tackle. He was Minnesota’s best player on the night, and is a key reason that the Loons only lost 1-0.

The Loons need a DP attacker

This may seem a  bit unfair to say, considering that Saturday was the first match this season where the Loons were shut out at home, but there’s been signs all season long that a DP attacker would help immensely. The two options are either to get a DP attacking mid and move Johan Venegas to a super sub role, or to buy a DP Left winger, and move Miguel Ibarra to the bench.

Ibarra and Venegas have both disappeared for long stretches during matches, and Minnesota’s offense would prove greatly with a D-level attacker who could create consistent chances. It will interesting to see if Minnesota’s front office feels the same, and tries to bring in a DP this summer as they have hinted towards.

Bobby Shuttleworth is the Loons’ best goalkeeper

Bobby Shuttleworth was a standout performer against San Jose, making several good saves, and having complete control of his area. Shuttleworth was probably Minnesota’s second best player on Saturday night, only behind Francisco Calvo.

This of course is making it all the more difficult for Swedish keeper John Alvbåge to earn back his starting role, and it doesn’t look like that’s happening anytime soon, barring an injury.

Next: Minnesota United: 3 things to watch for vs San Jose

It’s becoming more and more likely that the Loons won’t choose to extend Alvbåge’s loan, and that he’ll be sent back to Sweden in July, which would free up an international roster spot for a summer transfer.