PREVIEW | United Aims To Keep On Rolling Against Indy

Just three matches remain to close out the 2015 Season. Minnesota United clinched a trip to the postseason last Saturday after defeating the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, 2-1, at home. The Loons started that match strong, keeping the Strikers on their heels and springing forward in attack. The second half saw the Strikers knock the ball up field and the Loons struggle to keep possession. With plenty of work to do ahead of the NASL postseason, improvement for United from week-to-week is key.

“Reaching the playoffs is a great accomplishment for the guys,” Minnesota United head coach Manny Lagos said. “It's not easy, but the expectation for us is to continue to get better and make sure by the end of the year we are playing our best soccer. To do that we have to make sure we're prepared to go on the road and do well."

While not mathematically eliminated, Indy Eleven will likely not reach the postseason in their second year in the NASL. Indy has just 27 points and trails fourth place by eight with three matches left to play. Both sides of the pitch have been a struggle for the Eleven, conceding the second most goals in the league at 43, while only managing to score 30 goals this season. Despite great support off the pitch, Indy struggles to put games away at home – with just four wins at Carroll Stadium.

OPPONENT

Indy Eleven has played with a lone striker for much of the Fall Season. Working as a target man, Indy looks to work the ball up the field quickly to the target striker’s feet and maintain balance on defense. Clean sheets have been few and far between for Indy, who conceded two goals last week to the Scorpions at home in a 2-1 loss. The Indy defenders are involved in the attack, which can lead to problems on the counter.

When they are pinned down in the back, the Indy Eleven defenders have a tendency to dive into tackles and get beat. Covering for one another, Indy can quickly be thrown off balance when the ball is switched and has been punished on multiple occasions by teams that move the ball well in the final third.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Greg Jordan – Jordan helped to create turnovers in the midfield and win 50/50 balls. Expect much of the same from him this week, as a thin Loons squad travels to Indy for the final road match of the regular season.

Pablo Campos – With his first start in several weeks, Campos impressed being named the NASL Player of the Week after tallying a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win against Fort Lauderdale. Campos showed a burst of speed setting up teammate Daniel Mendes for the game-winning goal, and is a clinical finisher in the penalty area.

Keith Cardona – Taking over at goalkeeper, Cardona has had a difficult start to his career with Indy Eleven. Indy has one of the worst goals against averages in the league, and will be facing the highest scoring team in the NASL this Saturday. Cardona will need to have a good game to keep his team in the match.

MATCH PREVIEW – MINNESOTA UNITED AT INDY ELEVEN

It’s the final match away from home for Minnesota United this regular season. The Loons have had a successful year, near the top of the Fall Season Standings, and just one point short of the Cosmos in the Combined Standings with an extra match to play. This Saturday, Minnesota matches up against Indy Eleven at Carroll Stadium.

"We played well last week and we have to continue to do that this season,” Lagos said. “To build into the postseason, it's important to use the stresses of this weekend to become a better unit. Indy has some dangerous players that can certainly cause problems and we have to play together if we want to win."

Indy Eleven missed out on three points last Saturday, falling to the San Antonio Scorpions, 2-1. The Eleven held possession well in that match, but fell late to counters. Indy is a difficult place to play, and United will need to be focused on Saturday in order to extend its incredible 11 match unbeaten streak.

The Loons have been especially lethal offensively this season, with a league-leading 50 goals and four players with six or more goals in 2015. Minnesota moves the ball well in the final third and can counter quickly – making it nearly impossible to keep a clean sheet for the opposition. The Loons scored three in their first meeting with Indy Eleven and tallied another goal this Fall Season in their second meeting, taking all of the possible six points in the two matches.

With Tiago Calvano and Justin Davis missing Saturday’s match due to suspension, there might be some gaps for Indy to exploit on the defensive end of the pitch. Look for Brian and Brent Kallman to fill those roles. Both have earned playing time for the Loons already this season, with Brent earning a starting position at the beginning of the Fall. Both are headstrong and powerful defenders with surprising athletic ability, who can push forward and score goals from the defensive end of the pitch.

"We're not facing a lot of adversity, but we have a great roster of guys who have been doing well in games and during training,” Lagos said. “They're a part of this roster for a reason, not just to train, but because they can play well in games. It's just another trial that we have to go through and we have to be ready to play through it."