Minnesota United: 3 key takeaways from the Galaxy match

May 21, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Ibson (7) clears the ball in the first half against the L.A. Galaxy midfielder Joao Pedro (8) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota were in control for most of the match, and had the better chances throughout the day, but couldn’t put them away as they suffered a 2-1 loss.

Here are 3 key takeaways from Minnesota United’s disappointing home loss to the LA Galaxy.

Lack of attacking depth

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This should be expected from an expansion team to some degree, but not to the degree that Minnesota is facing. For the last couple of matches, Minnesota’s most dangerous available substitute was Costa Rican Johan Venegas, who has not looked very impressive over the last few matches, which is why he lost his starting spot to rookie Abu Danladi.

After the Loons went 2-1 down due to an own goal by Christian Ramirez, Minnesota desperately needed an impact sub to come on and level the score, but none were available. They had used their second sub on inexperienced youngster Ish Jome a few minutes before, and despite showing pace and energy, Jome didn’t show much else, as he looked sloppy on the ball and was genuinely ineffective.

Jome certainly has some potential, but the fact that he and Venegas are really Minnesota’s only choices for an impact sub is concerning, and simply not good enough.

Hopefully Manny Lagos has some plans to add attacking depth to the roster over the summer window, or Minnesota will continue to struggle to equalize late in the match.

Set piece struggles

Minnesota had 12(!) corners on Sunday, but failed to put one away. Marc Burch put a couple of the corner kicks in dangerous areas, but the Loons never really threatened from a corner, despite their many chances.

Defensively, the Loons had several instances where they failed to properly clear a Galaxy corner, but their struggles defending set pieces didn’t come back to haunt them until the 84th minute, when a Romain Alessandrini free kick found the leg of Christian Ramirez, and was deflected in for an own goal.

Next: Minnesota United vs LA Galaxy: 3 things to watch for

The loanees

European loanees John Alvbåge and Bashkim Kadrii continue to struggle for playing time, as their loan spells haven’t gone as planned.

Alvbåge can be sent back to Sweden in July, while Kadrii’s loan runs through the end of the calendar year. It will be interesting to see what Minnesota’s front office does when it comes to deciding whether or not to keep the loanees on board.

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