Minnesota United exact revenge in win over the Seattle Sounders

Revenge for Minnesota United (times two)

Minnesota United just knocked off the best team in MLS, a big moment for the club on several levels.

Sunday afternoon’s 1-0 win for Minnesota United saw ‘the Loons’ avenge a loss in last year’s Western Conference final to the Seattle Sounders as well as a 4-0 loss to the rave green in this season’s opener. It also got Minnesota back on the winning track following a 2-0 loss at the Colorado Rapids in their last league fixture.

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The Sounders came into the match unbeaten in their first 13 games to start the season, putting together the best ever start in MLS history. A statement of intent was issued by Minnesota United in the win.

“I’m pleased for the players. I’m pleased for the supporters. By the way, I thought they were magnificent today. It might be as good of atmospheres as we’ve had in the stadium. They got us through in the end, so, hats off to them. But, no, we know they’ve got a few injuries, they’ve got a few people away,” Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath said following the game.

“The starting eleven that they put out, there’s probably seven of them that have played most of the games this year. And, as I’ve said, everybody knows the respect I have for [Brian Schmetzer] and his coaching staff. I think they do an unbelievable job. Four finals in five years, I think it is. So, we knew it was going to be tough today. The one thing about it is, you look at the young kids they brought on at the end, big, strong, pace all around, so, I’m pleased for the players.

“Because, I thought, actually, for the first 35, 40 minutes we were far and away the better team. I thought once we let the game get stretched, they started to get their spare man in midfield on the ball a little bit too much for my liking. But, overall, it’s a big win for us and it sets us up nicely for next week.”

With the win, Minnesota United has just one loss in their last nine games.  They are 5-5-3 (18 points) and sit in sixth place in the Western Conference.

They host the Portland Timbers next Saturday.

Midfielder Robin Lod scored in the 81st minute to get the home side a big three points, finishing off a cross from the right channel from winger Niko Hansen.

Reynoso’s impact for Minnesota United

On the play of star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, who has battled injuries this season, Heath balance some optimism with patience in assessing his performance. Minnesota United was paced during their playoff run last year by the play of Reynoso, who was sensational during the postseason but has struggled this season with form and injuries.

Reynoso provided the pass that sprung Hansen into the box on Lod’s winning goal, a glimmer of hope that the former Boca Juniors star is returning to form.

“I still think he’s a little bit hit and miss at this minute, by his standards. But he’s working hard at training,” Heath said after the match.

“If we’re gonna make runs in this playoff towards the end of the year, then we certainly need [Reynoso] firing on all cylinders because he’s a difference maker.”

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