This is the Minnesota United we all expected to see
Now this is the Minnesota United that everyone expected to see, a 1-0 win on Saturday night at a very good Portland Timbers side underscoring that ‘the Loons’ are on the rise.
And with the win, Minnesota United’s four losses in as many games to start the season looks like a very distant memory. A team that was within a game of MLS Cup last year is beginning to look like one of the top sides in the Western Conference and in fact the league.
“I knew this team was capable of that but that is was going to be a tall order to go on the sort of run that we’ve gone on. But I did know that this group, and I’ve said it all along, this group is capable of winning games, home or away against anybody,” head coach Adrian Heath told reporters after the match.
“We’ve got too much quality not to be in games. We’ve got a big game now at home. We’ve got to make the most of the last couple away games on the road, we’ve done well, now we need to make sure that we finish the job off at home on Saturday because if we’re to get another win there, it probably puts us up even further on the table. Through the hard work of the players, it’s put us in a really good spot.”
Adrien Hunou’s goal in the game’s second minute was enough to give three points to Minnesota United. And while there was some clear controversy to emerge from the match, this was a big win from Minnesota United.
With the win, Minnesota United is now 4-4-2 on the year and on 14 points, the win elevating them to fifth place in the Western Conference. It is the first time all that Minnesota United is in a playoff position.
Since a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids on May 8, Minnesota United hasn’t lost. They have 14 points from these six matches.
And keying this run of four wins and two draws is a defense that has allowed just two goals in six matches.
“The team effort to defend the goal has been enormous, massive. Then, when we’ve needed it, [Tyler Miller] has come up with a great save,” Heath said.
“He got his fingers on the one that got out to the post. The only disappointment for the night really, was we only scored one goal. When you consider some of our attacking play, our approach play has been beautiful to watch and only one goal is probably the only disappointment.”
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer