Last Wednesday, the Loons threw away inside track on the NASL’s fourth and final playoff spot in the dying seconds of their game with Tampa Bay. Now, the Loons must outperform both Miami and Tampa Bay down the stretch to earn a postseason berth.

Minnesota coaching legend Bud Grant — famous for losing four Super Bowls — once said it isn’t who you play, but when you play them. While Puerto Rico currently sits in ninth place in the Fall Season table, las Naranjas presently find themselves in a run of good form, just in time to host the Loons.

With games against first-place New York and second-place Edmonton still on its schedule, Minnesota can ill afford another stumble as it races towards the the finish of the 2016 regular season.

Recent Form

PRFC	D	D	W	W	W	+3 GD	2.2 PPG
MNUFC	L	L	L	L	D	-5 GD	0.2 PPG

Puerto Rico has won three-straight, and is unbeaten in its last six contests. Minnesota has lost four of its last five, and has just one win in its last nine games.

Previous Meetings

The only previous meeting between Minnesota and Puerto Rico’s current iteration was this season’s 1-1 draw in Blaine.

Against the old Puerto Rico Islanders, the Stars/Loons managed a 4-2-5 record, scoring 16 and conceding 13 goals.

Officials

CONCACAF had not published the officiating assignments for tonight’s game at time of press.

Roster Report

Damion Lowe and Steward Ceus are both on international duty, having been called-up to represent Jamaica and Haiti, respectively.

Greg Jordan remains out, and Jeb Brovsky and Bernardo Añor are still recovering from injury. Christian Ramirez is being rested following a minor ankle injury, with an eye towards returning in the very near future. Ismaila Jome was flown in to replace Ramirez on the Loons 18-man gameday roster.

Puerto Rico: Last Time Out

Las Naranjas were able to pick up three points in Ottawa, scoring late in spite of going down a man after defender Rudy Dawson was sent off.

Head coach Adrian Whitbread opted for a 3-5-2 against Fury. Tevor Spangenberg started in goal behind a back three of Dawson, former Loon Cristiano Dias and Ramón Soria. Michael Kafari sat in front of Puero Rico’s back line, with Brian Bement acting as a true central midfielder and Paulo Mendes moving into the hold behind forwards Héctor Ramos and Sidney Rivera. Kyle Culbertson operted as wide midfielders, tasked with providing width in attack and dropping back to guard their flanks in defense.

Matchup

Carl Craig has continued to tinker with his starting eleven, part in due to injury woes, and part in search of a winning combination of players.

Stefano Pinho led the NASL in goals scored last season, while playing in a central attacking role. He will likely be given the chance to spearhead Minnesota’s attack with Ramirez recovering from a slight injury.

Presumably, Tiago Calvano and Brent Kallman will be tasked with defending Rivera and Ramos.

Kevin Vengas looked dangerous when pushed forward on the right wing, following Chris Klute’s introduction as a substitute against Tampa Bay. Danny Cruz has provided an admirable workrate, but his end product has been lacking. Needing a win, leaving Venegas on the wing to focus on attacking while starting Brovsky or Klute is an option.

Jamie Waston, Lance Laing, or the recalled Jome could replace Pinho if he is predictably moved in to the center of attack.

The problem for Craig, is that while he has several options, few players are distinguishing themselves and demanding inclusion in Minnesota’s starting lineup. And this at a time when the Loons cannot afford to drop any more points.

Puerto Rico’s 29 goals conceded in the Fall Season are the worst in the NASL. It has managed to limit opponents to a goal or less in each of its last three wins, but its back line remains vulnerable. Las Naranjas have scored 20 goals in 17 fall games, versus Minnesota’s 22 goals in 18 fall games, and do pose a threat going forward.

Ultimately, it will fall to Minnesota’s center backs and holding midfielder to keep tabs on Ramos, and Minnesota’s front four to break down Puerto Rico’s defense. Three points are achievable, but the Loons have snatched piratical defeat from the jaws of victory several times this season.

Is this the game Minnesota starts plays up to the collective potential of its roster and launches a run at the playoffs, or will the Loons continue slump and slink to the end of their final NASL season?