PREVIEW | United Aims To Build Momentum Against Armada FC

Minnesota United dominated the attack last Saturday against Ottawa Fury FC, scoring the first goal that the Canadian side conceded in more than six matches. Despite allowing a penalty-kick goal in the second half, Minnesota United’s performance was admirable, and one that can be used to build upon the rest of this season.

"It's another big home game for us – we've played some good soccer at home, but not consistent enough to get the results," Minnesota United head coach Manny Lagos said. "We're pushing ourselves to get better and I think the guys are really embracing that sentiment."

OPPONENT

Jacksonville Armada FC attacks in full numbers, exchanging space and moving the ball quickly forward. Their movement off the ball opens runs through the box, and the strikers move well from left to the right depending on where the space is on the pitch. Jacksonville values control of the ball, and plays few high risk passes – including corners, where they prefer to play the ball short.

With so much emphasis going forward, the Armada FC don’t always get back. They consistently have five men behind the ball working to force a quick turnover and counter. Even the goalkeeper will boot the ball quickly upfield to running Armada FC strikers. With Alhassane Keita, Pascal Millien, and Jemal Johnson, Jacksonville has one of the fastest front lines in the NASL.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Christian Ramirez – The Minnesota United forward found the back of the net for the first time this season in the run of play last Saturday. Ramirez made great runs and found gaps in the Ottawa defense, and will be looking to add to his tally against Jacksonville.

Brent Kallman – Getting his first start in two seasons of league play for Minnesota United, defender Brent Kallman played excellent soccer against Ottawa last Saturday and earned a nomination for the ENU Man of the Match. With a performance like that, it will be difficult to keep Kallman on the bench this Wednesday.

Alhassane Keita – The Jacksonville forward sat out the last match against Minnesota, but should be healthy for Wednesday’s kickoff. Keita is a quick striker and can beat defenders with his ability to dribble.

Marcos Flores – His ability to find teammates in creative spaces is what makes Armada FC midfielder Marcos Flores so dangerous. Flores controls the pace of play for Jacksonville and is pivotal in the final third for the club.

MATCH PREVIEW – MINNESOTA UNITED VS. JACKSONVILLE ARMADA FC

Minnesota United might not have gotten the result it was looking for from Saturday’s match, but there were still plenty of positive takeaways for the club. Christian Ramirez found the back of the net for the first time in the run of play this season, finishing a half volley from inside the penalty area. It was a finish reminiscent of last year’s form for Ramirez, who earned his first start for the club in several matches.

Juliano Vicentini played as the lone defensive midfielder, and controlled the ball while Ibson and Aaron Pitchkolan checked back and opened gaps for players running diagonally behind. This movement has been focused on in training for Minnesota United, but hardly executed well when game time rolled around.

Positive individual performances allowed the Loons to break down their opponent and open gaps in the final third, and lead to an exciting match at the National Sports Center Stadium. The Loons will hope for similar build up play this Wednesday, but a different result at the end of the match against Jacksonville.

"It just hasn't happened for us in terms of results; we just need to continue to push and believe in ourselves and believe in the group that we have," Lagos said. "It's a big game, because Jacksonville is a good team and they've had a run of tough results – it should be a good game on Wednesday."

Minnesota defeated Jacksonville, 3-2, at home during the Spring Season. Both clubs had opportunities to score, but struggled to hit the back of the net in the first half. In the second, things opened up and Jacksonville fell behind with goals from Pablo Campos and Tiago Calvano lifting the Loons. Jacksonville halved United’s lead, but Miguel Ibarra finished them off, scoring late and earning three points for the Loons.