FiftyFive.One
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Category: The Angle
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Pride and Prejudice: A Minnesota United Stadium Story
Continue Reading: Pride and Prejudice: A Minnesota United Stadium StoryMinnesota United’s struggle to build a stadium took them through plots and proposals that would have made Jane Austen’s head spin. In preparation for Minnesota United’s MLS announcement this coming Friday, FiftyFive.One is bringing you a three part series that originally appeared in its entirety in the 2015 year in review book of Minnesota United…
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Training Report: After NASL Transfer Window Shuts, MNUFC Injury Woes Start to Fade
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Training Report: After NASL Transfer Window Shuts, MNUFC Injury Woes Start to FadeSitting in the stands at the National Sports Center stadium last week, one could count Minnesota United’s fully-healthy field players on their two hands. The team has 25 members on their roster. Four are goalkeepers. Greg Jordan — out since the opening match after a knee surgery — hopes to begin running again soon. Bernardo Añor had ankle…
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Soccering 102: A Look At Center Backs
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Soccering 102: A Look At Center BacksFor people getting into soccer, it can sometimes be hard to understand the lingo used in the game. Most people understand the basics of the game — eleven to a side, can’t use your hands, even offside is pretty well understood. But when soccer writers start using terms like false-nine, overlapping fullbacks, and sweeper-keeper, it…
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Designated Report: Chivas USA
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Chivas USAJeff Rueter examines the history of the late Chivas USA’s Designated Players in his ongoing series. We’ll call this the Designated Report Halftime Show. I’ve written about eleven teams in the league, with another eleven left in the series counting the two 2017 expansion sides. What better way to mark the midpoint then the one…
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What the Hell is Happening?: The Loons Struggle on the Pitch
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: What the Hell is Happening?: The Loons Struggle on the PitchLast Saturday’s 4-0 drubbing at home to Miami FC may be the lowest point of the Minnesota United FC season. With injuries mounting and home field advantage having withered away, it’s time we asked, “What the hell is happening with the Loons?” Before we dig into the mounting pile of #PANIC, everyone should take a…
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Designated Report: Real Salt Lake
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Real Salt LakeJeff Rueter examines the history of Real Salt Lake’s Designated Players in his ongoing series. Since their entrance into the league, Real Salt Lake have been one of the most consistent teams in MLS. Having qualified for the playoffs every year from 2008-14, RSL have an MLS Cup title, a CONCACAF Champions’ League Runner-up finish,…
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US Bank Stadium Offers a Glimpse at the Future of Soccer in Minnesota
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: US Bank Stadium Offers a Glimpse at the Future of Soccer in MinnesotaFor some, US Bank Stadium opening this week offered their first glimpse at the brand new, billion dollar Vikings stadium. But opening as it did, with an international friendly between Chelsea and AC Milan, for many others, the match offered a glimpse at the future of soccer in Minnesota. With 64,101 fans packed quite literally…
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Minnesota United FC vs Puerto Rico FC: The Running Diary
Continue Reading: Minnesota United FC vs Puerto Rico FC: The Running Diary>> Match Preview << Today likely marks the one and only NSC-hosted match between MNUFC and PRFC. With the Loons poised to jump to MLS next year and their remaining match being at Puerto Rico, this gives a unique, “one night only” feel to the match. Likewise, I’m going to use a new format for the match…
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Training Report: Wing Depth Gives Minnesota United Tactical Flexibility
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Training Report: Wing Depth Gives Minnesota United Tactical FlexibilityAfter spending a major portion of the past couple of seasons with frequent lineup changes and alternating between playing one or two strikers, Craig ushered in a consistent, modern 4-2-3-1 formation. This also mimics a 4-3-3 at many points, with the wingers playing higher down the field whenever the team is looking to create a…
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Designated Report: Colorado Rapids
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Colorado RapidsJeff Rueter examines the history of the Colorado Rapids’ Designated Players in his ongoing series. As the final inaugural MLS member to step under the microscope, we’ll see how the club was slow to use the rule out of the gate but has made an impact since. From Gabriel Torres to Tim Howard, how do the Rapids…
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Inside the Post-Howler War Room: How Minnesota United’s Social Media Spun a Disastrous Goalkeeping Error
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Inside the Post-Howler War Room: How Minnesota United’s Social Media Spun a Disastrous Goalkeeping ErrorWhen Minnesota United FC goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock let in a horrific own goal against EPL side AFC Bournemouth, it led to a maelstrom of activity for the United staff. Within 18 hours, the club watched video of the goal go viral and released their own joking response that itself went viral. Here’s the story from inside…
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Designated Report: Chicago Fire
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Chicago FireJeff Rueter examines the history of the Chicago Fire’s Designated Players in his ongoing series. With one of the largest markets in the United States, how has the team been able to utilize the DP rule? The answer may not be pretty… IT’S THAT TIME, FIFTYFIVE.ONE READERS! There are three markets in the United…