United AIms To Build Momentum Before The Championship

Photo Credit: Minnesota United

The end of the season is looming, with Minnesota United closing it at NSC Stadium in Blaine. The Loons have looked lethal this year, scoring goals from all over the pitch with especially dominating performances at home – dropping just one match in front of home fans. Minnesota United locked a place in the postseason in its last match at NSC Stadium, defeating Fort Lauderdale, 2-1, and will be looking to regain that winning momentum two weeks out from postseason play.

"I look at Saturday as an important game for us to react to last weekend, but also try to push up the table and get better for the playoffs," United head coach Manny Lagos said. "It's a really big game for us and we still feel like we've got to be getting better these last two weeks of the season."

With just one spot remaining in the NASL’s postseason, Atlanta is very nearly out of reach. Not only do the Silverbacks need to win out, they also need Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay, and the Carolina RailHawks to all shed points these next two weeks. For Atlanta, focus is less on the playoffs and more seeing the season out on a positive note.

“I don’t think we can look too far ahead of each game,” Atlanta defender Paul Black said. “We always want to go out there and win regardless of the situation.”

OPPONENT

Atlanta lines up in a 4-3-3 formation with players staying organized throughout the match – rigidly defending at times. 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

Christian Ramirez – Ramirez has been held scoreless for two matches and will be looking to get back on track this Saturday against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Playing out of position behind the striker, Ramirez will need to take advantage of his opportunities against the Silverbacks to find a breakthrough.

Tiago Calvano & Justin Davis– Minnesota United’s defensive line was abnormal last weekend with the absences of Tiago Calvano and Justin Davis. This Saturday both players will likely be back in the lineup. However, the Loons’ defense has not returned to full strength. Aaron Pitchkolan picked up a suspension in last weekend’s loss due to yellow card accumulation and will be forced to watch Saturday’s fixture from the sidelines.

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 United won its two previous matches against the Atlanta Silverbacks, although both matches were close, with just one goal separating the two sides. Minnesota defeated Atlanta, 2-1, earlier this Fall Season, playing 86 minutes against a 10-man Silverbacks side. In that match Atlanta scored early and the Loons fought back, with United midfielder J.C. Banks coming off the bench to score the game-winner in the 85th minute of play.

"This time of year we have to continue to challenge ourselves to become a better team and to be successful," Lagos said. "You can't be perfect in this business, but for us it's important how we react to last weekend leading into the next game."

Pablo Campos was the lone goalscorer in the Spring Season fixture between Minnesota and Atlanta, finding the back of the net from a Miguel Ibarra cross in the 44th minute. Expect another close match on Saturday, with Atlanta defending strong and the Loons pushing forward for scoring opportunities.

Minnesota is the highest-scoring team in the NASL with 51 goals this season. With just one more goal, the Loons will break the NASL single-season scoring record, previously held by 2014 Minnesota United. The Loons’ offensive attack is led by Christian Ramirez and Pablo Campos, who have combined for 17 goals.

Ramirez is a mainstay in the United lineup. If he plays Saturday it will be his 60th straight match making an appearance for the Loons. Ramirez has lined up in midfield recently, but is a prolific striker – tallying 32 goals in NASL play since signing with United last season. His success finding the back of the net has played a major role in United earning a place in the postseason for the fourth time in five years.

The Silverbacks have had a difficult year, finishing the Spring Season in last place. Despite digging itself a deep hole, Atlanta has performed well this Fall Season and, up until recently, was in the conversation for a place in the postseason. With playoff hopes fading, the Silverbacks are still focused on finishing the season strong.

“I would love to finish on a really positive note to cap off what will have been a terrific turnaround for 20 games,” Atlanta head coach Gary Smith said. “Really pleased with how we conducted ourselves, how we played, and the sort of performance that the guys have given.”

Atlanta’s close to the season will be considerably more difficult than that of Minnesota’s. The Silverbacks play against two postseason sides for their final two matches in Minnesota United and Ottawa Fury FC. For Minnesota, all that remains before postseason play are Atlanta and San Antonio.

"There's still a lot of drama to be played out this season," Lagos said. "There is no doubt there are some good teams in this league that have done well, but for us it's important to control what we control and as it gets closer to what our opponent in the playoffs might be we can start thinking past these next couple of games."