Minnesota United travel to Indianapolis for their first away match of the fall campaign. They face Indy Eleven on the spring champions’ home turf, where they are undefeated in 2016.
Both teams look to build momentum in the fall season; Minnesota comes off a resounding victory while Indy returns home after an away 1-1 draw with league newcomers Puerto Rico FC.
Previous Meetings
Minnesota’s match with Indy in Spring was a 4-2 drubbing of the Loons in Indianapolis. The match saw Minnesota equalize in the 69th minute after going down 2-0. Yet, the Loons gave away two more goals and earned red card late in the match. Indy has never been an easy destination for the Loons. In 2014, Minnesota handed the Eleven their first home win in franchise history.
Minnesota is 5-3 all time against Indy and there have been 28 goals scored total — Minnesota has the slight advantage 15-13.
Roster Reports
Damion Lowe and Daniel Mendes may continue to be unavailable due to injury. Ben Speas will be out from injury. Greg Jordan remains out for the season with an injury.
Statistical Notes
Despite the vastly different styles, Minnesota and Indy have very similar numbers by most measurable statistics. The biggest difference is in discipline: Minnesota has three more yellow cards and three more red cards than Indy (who have yet to have a man sent off). Minnesota also has more goals despite a similar number of shots; the Loons convert shots to goals much better than the Eleven.
Due to said tactical difference, Minnesota has completed nearly 500 more passes than the Eleven, while having a similar number of unsuccessful passes. This results in the two having a very similar pass completion rate.
Projected Lineups
Carl Craig would likely love to start the same lineup as last week. That’s not possible due to Jeb Brovsky’s red card. Damion Lowe is likely still unavailable due to injury, Ben Speas isn’t healthy yet, and Daniel Mendes may still be out as well. It’s likely Juliano Vicentini will slot in for Brovsky with Jack Blake and Ibson being on the bench as substitutes.
Indy Eleven didn’t have the same kind of performance as Minnesota. Still, the spring champs took an away point against a league newcomer on a pitch that left much to be desired. After a successful spring season, it’s hard to see Indy changing after one draw.
Matchup
Much like the spring season face-off, look for Minnesota to control possession and try to push forward with control while Indy sits back in defense until it can break forward. Both teams know what the other will try to do; the question is who will accomplish their game plan better?
Minnesota sits second in the combined standings and could take the lead with a win and a New York Cosmos loss. Indy has a playoff berth secured.
Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., with viewing available on My29 and BeIn Sports. Watch parties are at North Gate Brewing and the Nomad World Pub.
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