When Ben Speas signed with Minnesota United, he was seen as a rare commodity: a true #10. At the time, Coach Carl Craig remarked, “I don’t think we’ve had that type of player in… I can’t remember the last time to be honest with you, so he fills a massive need for us in terms of balance.” Speas, meanwhile, asserted that he “liked to keep the ball between the lines… beneath the striker” and figured to be a major aid to Christian Ramirez by lending many assists.
It just so happens that Speas can score a little, too.
Seen as a prospect and buried in the depth chart behind Argentine Designated Player Federico Higuain, he was never able to get consistent playing time with Columbus Crew. He’s taken a liking to the faith that Craig and the Minnesota United organization have put in him. “I think I’ve done well to connect with the team,” said Speas. “That’s important. It’s been nice to have more of a consistent run in games. At the Crew, I only played once in a while. I’m playing like I know I can and that’s been good.”
While a #10 traditionally serves as a distributor primarily, Speas has found the back of the net three times in the season’s first six games. This is especially notable considering he scored twice in his entire career with Columbus. He thinks the urgency of the NASL’s split season format has produced better play from United.
“I’ve liked the split season. I’m not used to that. MLS season is so long. Unfortunately, the first ten games can be pointless,” explained Speas. “It’s all about how you finish in MLS. The split gives you a lot to play for in the first ten games.”
Having turned 25 before the season, it’s easy to envision Speas staying around Minnesota United for the long haul. As with many of the club’s recent signings, the impending move to MLS played a small role in his decision to sign.
“I think Minnesota was a good fit, not just because of MLS, but because of what both they and I were looking for. Sure, it’s a bonus. It’s nice. These are exciting times for the club and I’m happy to be a part of that. It definitely wasn’t the only reason, though.”
“I don’t think we’ve had that type of player in… I can’t remember the last time to be honest with you, so he fills a massive need for us in terms of balance.” Carl Craig regarding Ben Speas.
Speas has been a major part of the club’s rise to the top of the league table with four games to go in the Spring. However, a twisted ankle in the team’s last match against Jacksonville Armada is likely to sideline him for several weeks. Speas was on the sidelines in training this week, taking in the sun while monitoring the play of the club, still dressed in the club’s full warm-ups.
“The ankle is good. I’m day-to-day. I’m positive about it all. Obviously things happen, and if you play a lot you’ll get injured. It is what it is, but if I can’t make it this weekend I’ll push for next weekend. It’s a great training staff here, so I’m in good hands,” concluded Speas.
While his name can Speasily be turned into any number of puns, his contributions to the team have been no joking matter. The team will be able to press on over the next couple of weeks in his absence and still control their fate in the battle for the Spring title. However, his play during the season’s opening salvo have made him one of the more respected players on the club and drawn a similar level of fan admiration as the last player who donned the team’s Number 10 jersey.
Carl’s Corner
- On filling the #10 role in Speas’ absence: “We’ll be alright. Bernie (Bernardo Añor)’s been firing on all cylinders, Jimmy Banks is looking good. I thought Banks came in and had a good shift last week. He’s got that ability at the 10. In football, if you have an opportunity, you’ve gotta take. I told Jim last year post-season that I saw him as a number 10. Circumstances haven’t always allowed that–no sense in benching Speas with how good he’s been. However, the past coupla weeks have been impressive from him. He’s in the running with Stef(ano Pinho). Lance (Laing) can play in that position, Bernie can play in that position. Stef will likely stay wide, though. We never had a #10 in the past, and now we have three with Ben, Jimmy, and Bernie.”
- On last week’s win: “We got into humping it because they didn’t like the space available. Of course there was space, but we need to be more proficient than just running the wings. That has to be a weapon, but that wasn’t the gameplan. Within the evolution of the team, there needs to be recognition of when we possess and when we become more direct. We could’ve scored far more than two. We need to keep the pressure coming. We need to give the impression of being more aggressive, but they look good in that column. Our pictures are good. We set up nicely, we take a team to an area and we press. The recognition of how we should set up is there, but this weekend we finally got the punch.”
- On the US Open Cup draw: “What happened there? Why were we the only NASL side on the road? I have no idea how that happened. It’s ironic that we’re the only bloody team on the road, but that’s the shape of the draw. We won’t necessarily throw a B team out there, though. We’ve gotta make sure that the next game is always the most important game. We cannot go in thinking we can run out a reserve group. The nice thing now is that I honestly believe that every player on this squad could start a game and I would feel confident in them. I honestly feel that way. That Cup game is a big, big game for this club.”
Match Ratings
In a comprehensive performance, United beat the reeling Jacksonville Armada 2-0 on a chilly Saturday evening. Ratings tended to be high–especially on the defensive side.
GK S. Ndjock – 6.3
After a polarizing performance in Ottawa, Ndjock returned to his steady form, keeping a clean sheet once again as he has at home all season. He wasn’t tested very often, with a couple of shots from Matt Fondy and Charles Eloundou bringing pressure occasionally.
RB K. Venegas – 7.7
What, do our readers enjoy golazos? This was Venegas’ best game in years. The goal will get the headlines (and rightfully so), but his defense was strong and his interplay with Cruz on the right has been a major asset to the club.
CB D. Lowe – 6.2
Lowe returned from a red card suspension and immediately continued his solid form. Using his height and strength, Lowe was able to neutralize Fondy, keeping the reigning USL MVP off of the scoreboard.
CB B. Kallman – 6.2
Kallman nearly scored his first goal on the season off of a corner kick. Only an impressive reaction save from Miguel Gallardo could prevent a finesse header from finding the back of the net. On defense, Kallman patrolled outside of the box to minimize attacking options, showing once again why he’s been such an asset to the club this season.
LB J. Davis – 6.2
Despite a major change in playing style from his new left-wing partner, Davis was steady as always. He had a couple of notably impressive sliding tackles in the first half, keeping the ball from working its way into Jacksonville’s attacking third.
CM J! Brovsky – 6.5
Rounding out the defensive-minded portion of the lineup, Jeb(!) was the central cog in the midfield once again. As Añor played more of an attacking role and Brovsky was left as a single #6 for the first time this season, he didn’t look out of place in the slightest.
CM B. Añor – 5.9
Once again staying central after a couple of impressive substitute shifts since returning from his concussion, Añor was a consistent performer on Saturday. He looked much more comfortable with more space in front of him compared to his usual wing assignment and was capable when dropping back in defense.
RW D. Cruz – 5.6
Still kept off of the scoresheet on the year, Cruz’s ability on recovery defense and tackling has allowed for Venegas to press forward more than he had last season. The two work seamlessly on the right side in attack and defense, making for one of the more deadly combinations in NASL.
AM B. Speas – 5.7
Prior to his ankle injury, Speas looked steady as always. He shifted to a pseudo-right attacking midfield role as Añor pressed forward, scattering passes mostly to the right side while also providing a pair of defensive recoveries.
LW S. Pinho – 6.3
Pinho finally found the back of the net in his first start with United. A successful poacher’s goal will certainly boost his confidence as well as more consistent playing time. He was also impressive on defense, with two tackles, two interceptions, two clearances, and four recoveries. He was rewarded for his work by being named to the NASL team of the week.
ST C. Ramirez – 6.1
Kept off of the scoresheet, Ramirez still offered an assist on Venegas’ opening goal. Ramirez’s only shot fell off target, but a pair of key passes and four recoveries kept him plugged into the game plan for the full 90′.
S1 J. Vicentini (54′ for Speas) – 5.6
S2 J. Banks (76′ for Añor) – 5.3
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