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Tag: Sam Cronin
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After Productive Offseason, Loons Look Set For 2019, But Not Beyond
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: After Productive Offseason, Loons Look Set For 2019, But Not BeyondA couple months ago, after Minnesota United announced their roster cuts, I surveyed the wreckage of two years of a “soft open” approach to team building. The team’s roster had massive holes, especially in midfield and defense. Although the club did not move as swiftly and confidently as I expected, they have made five big…
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Match Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FCOf the many reputations Minnesota United might have, it should probably be most noted as the “yeah, but” team. It seems most losses are softened by a “yeah, but half the roster is injured” or “yeah, but they played on short rest” (such as the loss to Los Angeles FC). Many wins, meanwhile, are interrupted with a…
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Portland Timbers FC vs. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Portland Timbers FC vs. Minnesota United FCIt seems about 95% of bye weeks are described as coming “at the right time.” Minnesota probably fits that narrative this time around. After encouraging back-to-back wins, the Loons have suffered consecutive losses, each with its own caveats, but each disheartening in its own way. Now, Minnesota enters a new phase of the season and…
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Match Preview: Orlando City SC v. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Orlando City SC v. Minnesota United FCIf you are looking for a sure bet one way or the other this weekend, avoid this match. Orlando City will be missing six probable starters and are coming off a game which, despite its dramatic finish, was still just one point earned at home against lowly D.C. United. For the Loons, the question will…
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Match Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FCIf any Minnesota United fans are feeling down after a less-than-stellar year, they need look no further than the Los Angeles Galaxy for a bit of relaxing schadenfreude. The Galaxy entered the season not having missed the playoffs since 2008. Now, ahead of Sunday’s clash, they sit seven points below “Worst Team In MLS History™” Minnesota…
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Match Preview: Atlanta United FC vs. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Atlanta United FC vs. Minnesota United FCAtlanta United delivered Minnesota its most shameful moment in the Loons’ first-ever MLS home game this year. Thousands of potential fans turned out to see what all the fuss was about and left with the very same question. Of course, Minnesota dominated DC United, and DC United dominated Atlanta this year, because MLS. So it…
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Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. FC Dallas
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. FC DallasMinnesota stunned fans twice against Montreal. The first stunner came when the club trotted out a lineup that essentially mirrored what objective reality suggested they should have — with strugglers sitting on the bench and just about the best available 11 players starting. The second stunner came when it worked. Despite an embarrassing opening 15…
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Match Preview: Montreal Impact vs. Minnesota United FC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Montreal Impact vs. Minnesota United FCPlaying its third game in eight days, and with some health questions about some key players, Minnesota faces a tough road game against the Impact on Saturday. However, tough circumstances could come with a silver lining. With playoff elimination all but a formality, this could be a game to experiment with tactics and players, giving…
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Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Philadelphia Union
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Philadelphia UnionA road win, a bit of time off to get over some nagging injuries, and a match against a very disappointing Philadelphia Union team is just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota. With any effort and luck, the Loons will build some momentum and end the year with some optimism for the future. With recent…
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Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. New York Red BullsMinnesota enters game three of a five-game home stand with one point to show for its hometown advantage. As duct taped and hot glued lineups have miraculously held opponents to one goal in the last two games, the cost has been on the offensive side, with the Loons unable to pick the lock once over…
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Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Houston Dynamo
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Houston DynamoMost MLS clubs use the Gold Cup break to get rested, get healthy, and get ready for the business half of the MLS season. Minnesota United, on the other hand, just kept taping more episodes of ER that haven’t aired yet. With a flood of injuries and absences, and with key reinforcements yet to clear…
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Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. Columbus Crew SCLike not a few MLS teams, Minnesota is Jekyll and Hyde depending on whether they are at home or on the road. Tuesday evening the Loons adopt their Dr. Jekyll form as they return home to face the Columbus Crew. United needs three points to keep pace in the competitive race for the final playoff…
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Match Preview: New York City FC vs. Minnesota United
Categories: NewsContinue Reading: Match Preview: New York City FC vs. Minnesota UnitedLike Bob Dylan, their Minnesotan spiritual forebear, United will head to New York City this week in search of that impossible dream. For the Loons, that dream is a road win against one of the league’s best teams. New York sit tied for third in the Supporters’ Shield race and has lost only once this…