PREVIEW | United AIms To Continue Soaring Form Against The Silverbacks
It would be easy to overlook Tuesday’s match. Minnesota United is coming off an epic come-from-behind win on Saturday against the Carolina RailHawks that lifted United to second in the Combined Standings, and have a crucial match against the New York Cosmos on Saturday. But a win in Tuesday’s match against the Atlanta Silverbacks would move the Loons within three points of the league leaders.
Minnesota United is three points off first in the Fall Season Standings and six points short of the lead in the Combined Standings. Capturing 13 of a possible 15 points in the last five matches, United is the hottest team in the NASL. Atlanta sits in fifth and is four points away from the postseason.
OPPONENT
Atlanta lines up in a 4-3-3 formation. Players generally stick to where they line up, almost rigidly defending at times, but are extremely organized. This Silverbacks team is absolutely a defend-first squad. From the start of the match to the end, Atlanta works hard to have at least nine men behind the ball at all times. Defenders and midfielders fall back into their positions and cover their zones well.
Offensively, Atlanta is not a creative finishing squad. It works the ball up the pitch slowly, keeping its shape, and remains in position to defend the quick counter. The Silverbacks create chances off opposition mistakes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alejandro Vela – New to the squad, Vela is still looking for his debut with the Loons. The midfielder joined United last week after spending the last ten years in Mexico’s Liga MX. His speed and ability to play a ball into the box makes him a dynamic and dangerous addition to Minnesota United.
Kevin Venegas – Minnesota defender Kevin Venegas, was superb pushing forward on Saturday against the Carolina RailHawks. Venegas played a role in each of United’s goals against the RailHawks and earned a goal of his own after cutting through several Carolina defenders.
Jaime Chávez – Leading the Silverbacks in both goals and assists, Chávez has played an important role in Atlanta’s squad this season. Chávez is a poaching forward who takes advantage of his chances and finds space in the box to create other chances.
MATCH PREVIEW – MINNESOTA UNITED VS. ATLANTA SILVERBACKS
Minnesota earned its first win of the year against Atlanta while handing the Silverbacks their first loss of the season when the two clubs met for the first time in 2015 in early May. Pablo Campos scored the game winner for the Loons, heading home a cross from Miguel Ibarra. The win kicked off a three-match win streak for the Loons that kept them in the Spring Season title race, and lead to a horrible stretch for the Silverbacks, who would have to wait another six matches to earn a win.
Atlanta is not a high-scoring club, sitting last in goals scored in the NASL with 23. The Silverbacks create chances with a quick counter or by pouncing on opposition mistakes. Atlanta forms a shell around its net and makes it difficult for attackers to get a clean shot on net.
Minnesota will need to shore things up in the final third to earn three points against the Silverbacks. United played a phenomenal last 30 minutes against Carolina on Saturday, showing its class by coming from behind to defeat the RailHawks with relentless offensive pressure. However, that match began with a frustrating 60 minutes of play, in which the Loons dominated possession, but were unable to beat Akira Fitzgerald with the final ball.
The match Tuesday comes at a strategically important time for the Loons. Minnesota is within reach of the top of the Fall Season and Combined Standings. Neither the New York Cosmos nor the Ottawa Fury play until Saturday, which means Minnesota can pick up bonus points in the race for the top of the standings on Tuesday and carry a lead into the final weeks of the season.
