MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Minnesota United: Adrian Heath not worried about lack of goals…yet

By Kristian Dyer

Minnesota United FC midfielder Hassani Dotson, left, midfielder Jan Gregus, midfielder Niko Hansen and defender Chase Gasper celebrate their second half goal against the Real Salt Lake. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota United FC midfielder Hassani Dotson, left, midfielder Jan Gregus, midfielder Niko Hansen and defender Chase Gasper celebrate their second half goal against the Real Salt Lake. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Minnesota United is arguably the hottest team in MLS right now, overcoming a terrible start to the season.

And what is surprising about their current form is that Minnesota United is also struggling to score goals. Once they start to get rolling and new signings Franco Fragapane and Adrien Hunou begin to fully integrate into the squad, then the goals should start coming. Theoretically, it should work like this.

But for right now, the lack of goals in recent matches is discouraging and worrisome.

In their last six league matches, Minnesota United has just seven goals scored. Now the good news is, they have 14 points from those matches but it isn’t sustainable to think that they can continue this run without starting to capitalize on opportunities more.

“I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. We’ve conceivably had five or six really good chances a game, and when it’s only one-nil, that can come back and bite you,” head coach Adrian Heath told reporters this week.

“As long as we keep creating, we’ve got every faith in that people that we’ve got on the team to score goals and that’s the most important thing for us now. Keep confidence in the people who are there, keep creating chances for them and that will change.”

The club overcame four straight losses to start the season to now climb their way back up the standings. Minnesota United is now in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 4-4-2 record (14 points).

A major reason for this is Minnesota United’s defensive presence during this stretch of results, resulting in no losses over the past six games.

In this stretch of six matches, Minnesota United has pitched four shutouts. Their last two games, wins over the Portland Timbers and Austin FC, have both been shutouts.

“I don’t think it’s just the defense. We’ve started to defend from the front, we’ve had a really good shape behind the ball and have made it difficult for people to play,” Heath said.

“There’s no secret t it. If we get people in the right spots and defend like it means something to us, we’ll keep clean sheets. Obviously Tyler [Miller] has been exceptional. When we’ve needed him on a couple of occasions, he’s come up with big, big saves, but that’s what you expect. Overall, the defensive mindset has been terrific.”

Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex’ on Twitter @KristianRDyer

Home/Minnesota United