This evening at 6:35 PM, Minneapolis City will host the Minnesota United Reserves at South High School’s Les Barnard Field. With a potential move to MLS looming on the horizon for United, and MLS franchises placing reserve teams in the USL, this season’s Premier League of America meetings between the two sides offer fans in the Twin Cities a new local derby—albeit one that may only reoccur in potential cup ties after 2016.

The top two teams in the PLA’s West Division qualify for the league semifinals in late July, and either City or the Reserves could move into second place in the division with a win, overtaking Cedar Rapids Rampage United. Both City and the Reserves have a game in hand on Cedar Rapids. The Crows sit in third place after drawing away to Milwaukee Bavarians and recording a win against Milwaukee’s Croatian Eagles in their home debut a week later. The Loons occupy fourth, having lost away to Cedar Rapids last Saturday before defeating Croatian Eagles at home the following day.

Both City and the Reserves had their options limited when filling out their 18-man matchday rosters for their season openers, with players unavailable for selection due to a variety of different commitments. The Crows managed a valuable scoreless draw against first-place Bavarians, though Bavarian shots hit the woodwork twice.  The Loons were less fortunate, losing 3-1 in spite of winning the battle of possession as Cedar Rapids made better use of its chances.

Both then responded with wins at home in their second matches of the season.

Minnesota United Reserves

FiftyFive.One spoke to the United Reserves’ co-head coaches Andy Seidel and Chris Brisson earlier this week to get their thoughts on tonight’s contest.

On the Reserves 3-0 victory last Sunday, Seidel offered, “Our guys definitely looked like they had their feet under them a bit more. Croatian Eagles are a good team. It wasn’t easy to break them down, but we were sharp.”

The duo were asked if having beaten Croatian Eagles 3-0, a day after City secured a win over the same opponent by a 2-1 margin, gave them confidence heading into tonight.

“I don’t think it matters at all. In the game of soccer, anybody can beat anybody on any given day. Our 3-0 scoreline against Croatian Eagles, if we didn’t put away our chances, that game could have been much closer,” said Brisson. “We have confidence in our team, and we have to be ready to play. City has a lot of good players and it’s at their home field, so it’s going to be a battle.”

The pair identified centerback Grant Bell, midfielders Rodrigo Galvan Yanez and Daniel O’Brien, and forward Whitney Browne as having stood out for the Reserves last weekend. Both Galvan Yanez and Browne were named to the PLA Team of the Week after finding the back of the net. Bell’s steady play at the back was noted, as well as O’Brien’s experience and leadership in the middle of the field.

With the playing surface and a narrow pitch at Les Barnard talking points following City’s home debut, Seidel and Brisson were asked if the field conditions would help or hinder their side’s chances.

“Our team likes to get the ball down and play soccer. A lot of our players are very good in tight spots. As far a narrow pitch, and not a lot of space, our guys are very good at that,” said Brisson.

“We’re comfortable with the fact that a lot of different stuff is going to happen in this league, whether that’s different fields, different facilities, different travel schedules,” added Seidel. “We’re going to do what we need to do to deal with it, and adapt to try to get a result.”

When the pair were pressed for a prediction, Brisson responded, “My prediction is it’s going to be a great game, and if you want to see good soccer, come and watch.”

Seidel followed, “City has been pretty good about getting their social media out there and hyping it up, so it should be fun for everybody involved.”

Minneapolis City

Minneapolis City released its 18-man matchday roster yesterday. The notable addition is goalkeeper Duncan Werling, who missed the Crows’ first two matches due to a tournament obligation with Minnesota Thunder Academy. Werling, who has committed to play for UCLA this fall, was expected by many to be City’s first-choice keeper this season. However, the Crows are undefeated with Matt Elder between the posts and have conceded just once in 180 minutes, so it will be interesting to see who starts in goal tonight for City.

Ben Wexler, who missed City’s last match after picking up an ankle injury in the Crows’ season opener, is fit and will dress.

The notable absence for City is Harvard defender Jack Miller. Miller returned from school earlier this week, but picked up an ankle injury of his own in training and is being held out as a precaution.

Speaking postmatch after his team’s 2-1 victory over Croatian Eagles last Saturday, City head coach Keith Kiecker offered his thoughts on the Crows’ upcoming match with the Loons.

“They don’t use college players, so I think that’s a huge advantage for us,” Kiecker offered. “A lot of our guys have been playing together since February, and the college guys who have come back are fit. I think we’re just scratching the surface on what we can do. It will be a tough match because it is a derby, but talent-wise I don’t think they match up.”