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Colorado Rapids Vs Minnesota United: 3 things to watch for – Rapids fighting for survival

By Harvey Cruz

Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United, Ethan Finlay, Mason Toye, Real Salt Lake (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United, Ethan Finlay, Mason Toye, Real Salt Lake (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 12: Michael Boxall #15 of Minnesota United steps in front of Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City to gain possession of the ball during a match in the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 12, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 12: Michael Boxall #15 of Minnesota United steps in front of Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City to gain possession of the ball during a match in the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 12, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2. Loons looking to keep unbeaten run going

Prior to Sporting KC’s win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday morning, Minnesota United sat top of the Western Conference standings. That’s right, their current four-game unbeaten run has amounted to 10 points. Only the Columbus Crew accrued as many points from their opening four matches.

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It speaks to the right buttons Adrian Heath has pushed since taking over as manager. Making the playoffs last season was a huge achievement for the club, and they’ve continued to build since then. They even gained their first shutout of the season despite reigning MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara not making the trip to Orlando.

Against the Rapids, players such as Robin Lod and Ethan Finlay can make the difference out wide against a depleted team. If there is one criticism of the Loons it is that they lack the same offensive talent as some of the other elite teams in the league, especially having lost Darwin Quintero in the offseason.

Nevertheless, with a superb foundation in central midfield, a deep defensive roster, and the organised coaching of Heath, they seem set to challenge for both the MLS is Back title and the playoffs later in the year. Can they continue their excellent form against the Rapids?

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