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Minnesota United Bid to Extend SKC’s Miserable Stretch
After a six-coordinate unbeaten streak was stopped with a 2-0 misfortune at Los Angeles FC, Minnesota Joined return to Holy person Paul, Minn., on Saturday to confront a Brandishing Sporting Kansas City group that has been battling, losing six successive MLS matches.
Minnesota United’s Resilience and Strategic Focus
Minnesota United (7-3-4, 25 focuses) are as of now fourth in the Western Meeting, only five focuses behind the lead position Real Salt Lake, with two matches close by. Regardless of the new mishap, Nut cases lead trainer Eric Ramsay keeps an uplifting perspective and stresses the significance of zeroing in on the impending games as opposed to harping on the misfortune.
“There will certainly be no feeling of the walls caving in or any form of mini-crisis,” Ramsay said. “For us, it’s about the next game (and) the players that we’ve got available and how we put them on the pitch in the best conditions to succeed.”
One massive change for Minnesota is the flight of midfielder Emanuel Reynoso. The 2022 MLS Elite player, who confronted different off-the-field issues, was moved to Club Tijuana of Liga MX on Thursday for an undisclosed charge. This move opens up an assigned player spot for Minnesota, giving a potential chance to reinforce their crew throughout the late spring marking period.
Sporting Kansas City’s Struggles and Challenges
Sporting Kansas City (2-8-5, 11 points) is enduring a tough season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They bring a nine-match winless streak into Saturday’s match, including a recent 2-1 home loss to Vancouver, which was met with frustration from their supporters.
Marinos Tzionis scored in the 92nd minute against Vancouver, preventing a shutout and highlighting SKC’s ongoing struggles. Coach Peter Vermes acknowledged the dissatisfaction of the fans, understanding their frustration given the team’s current form.
“I understand. I get it,” Vermes said. “We’re not getting results. You can play bad and win and nobody cares. But right now, we’re not getting the results so I understand the frustration.”
Injuries and suspensions have compounded Sporting Kansas City’s difficulties, particularly affecting their midfield. Remi Walter, Erik Thommy, and Danny Flores were all sidelined on Wednesday due to injuries, while Memo Rodriguez missed the match because of a yellow card accumulation suspension.
“We’re missing midfielders big time,” Vermes said. “They’ve got to get healthy and we have got to keep fighting.”
Key Players to Watch
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United): Hlongwane’s recent form has been a bright spot for Minnesota, and his contributions will be crucial in maintaining their attacking momentum.
- Robin Lod (Minnesota United): Lod’s versatility and ability to influence play from various positions make him a key asset for the Loons.
- Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City): Russell’s leadership and attacking prowess will be vital if SKC hopes to break their winless streak.
- Marinos Tzionis (Sporting Kansas City): Tzionis’s late goal against Vancouver shows his potential to impact the game, especially in critical moments.
Match Outlook
Minnesota United, despite their recent loss, remain a formidable side, especially at home. The team will aim to leverage their home advantage and return to winning ways. The departure of Reynoso provides an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark, with coach Ramsay focused on optimizing the available squad for success.
Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. Injuries and suspensions have depleted their midfield, requiring a tactical adjustment from coach Vermes. The team’s determination to fight through adversity will be tested, and they will need to find a way to secure a positive result to boost their confidence and standings in the MLS.
Conclusion
Saturday’s match offers a chance for Minnesota United to solidify their position in the Western Conference and demonstrate their resilience. For Sporting Kansas City, it’s an opportunity to end their losing streak and begin a turnaround in what has been a challenging MLS season. With both teams having much at stake, the match promises to be a competitive and intense encounter.
