PREVIEW | United Heads South For Clash With Scorpions

After a convincing victory at home last Wednesday against Jacksonville Armada FC, Minnesota United begin a three-match road trip against the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday. Minnesota scored four against Jacksonville, playing well and showing just how dangerous this side is when every member of the squad is contributing. United head coach Manny Lagos was delighted by the way his team performed on Wednesday, but recognized that they need to use that big win to grow and build as a team.

"We're building as a group and as a team and it's important that we get results like that at home," Lagos said. "Now it's important for us to go on the road and to play as a group and to be prepared to play against a quality opponent and make sure we're ready for a good away game."

OPPONENT

San Antonio has pace going forward and plays long passes to lone striker Omar Cummings at midfield with the expectation that he can hold up play and they can move forward as a unit. Don’t expect a lot of crosses from the Scorpions, who play down the center of the pitch, taking players on at the top of the box and pulling the trigger whenever they have a clear glimpse of goal. The Scorpions’ midfield can be extremely potent moving up the pitch. When the Scorpions are in rhythm, led by 2014 Best XI selection Rafael Castillo, they are difficult to stop.

Defensively, questions have to be asked of San Antonio. They have conceded 24 goals in 14 matches. The Scorpion defenders dive into tackles, leaving goalkeeper Daryl Sattler alone in back to stop an onslaught of opportunities from opposing attackers.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Christian Ramirez – The 2014 NASL Golden Boot winner has scored in his last two matches, and also tallied an assist last Wednesday. Ramirez brings his teammates into play and does well to find space and defensive gaps.

Brent Kallman – Since receiving the call into the startinglineup, Kallman has shown great strength and understanding to shut down opposing attackers. On Saturday, Kallman found the boot of Pablo Campos for the game-tying goal in the 86th minute against Club León.

Omar Cummings – The league’s top scorer has been phenomenal in the final third, finishing almost every chance he gets near the penalty area. In a season that hasn’t always gone San Antonio’s way, Cummings has been a source of optimism for the Scorpions.

MATCH PREVIEW – MINNESOTA UNITED AT SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS

The Scorpions have had a rocky start to their Fall Season. San Antonio started the campaign with a difficult 4-0 loss against FC Edmonton, before rebounding and finishing 3-0 against Tampa Bay. Last weekend, San Antonio lost away from home, 3-2, despite a late surge forward.

Playing forward, the Scorpions have been decent at finding space and creating chances. As a club, they have tallied 18 goals, with their forwards doing much of the heavy lifting. However, defensively the Scorpions have struggled. Fouls in difficult areas have allowed teams to take advantage and get ahead early. United will need to be aware for 90 minutes to keep San Antonio off the score sheet Saturday.

"San Antonio is a team that is very dangerous, they have a lot of good weapons and it's always a tough place to play," Lagos said. "They're a team that have shown some quality soccer."

Minnesota took advantage of their opportunities in a 4-0 win against Jacksonville last Wednesday. Taking a lead into half, the Loons focused on closing the match out and continued to pressure the Armada FC for a full 90 minutes. United presses attack on the wings and pushes forward as a unit, making it difficult to slow them down.

Overshadowed by offensive dominance recently, the United defense has quietly stepped up, earning their third clean sheet of the year on Wednesday. United defenders Brent Kallman and Tiago Calvano have formed an early bond in the center of defense, closing space quickly and covering for one another in back. Pushing forward, both Tiago and Kallman have created chances for the Loons.

Both of United’s forwards found the back of the net in the match against San Antonio earlier this season. Christian Ramirez finished his first chance of the year from the penalty spot, while Pablo Campos opened scoring for the Loons with a header from six yards. The match drew even in the 90th minute after a penalty call against United goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt. The conceded late goal in that match was the first of many that haunted the Loons’ Spring Season. United supporters will hope last week’s performance becomes more typical of Minnesota’s style of play as the season progresses.

Minnesota kicks off a three-match away stretch that will test the club both physically and mentally on Saturday.

"Preparation has to be spot on when you are traveling. It's tough physically and mentally to travel and play games in different environments and environments that aren't your home," Lagos said. “It's important that we're prepared well mentally and physically for the next three weeks."