It’s not every day that I get to use my favorite words. I mean, how often do you run into a buffet offering a variety of hot and cold meats, salads, and hors d'oeuvres? Not enough smorgasbords in the world these days. Maybe I just went into the wrong industry for that one. Regardless, my second favorite word applies today, as MNUFC2 is set to play their penultimate home match of the season at Allianz Field, facing off against fellow playoff hopefuls North Texas SC in what promises to be a truly ardent matchup. (Ardent is number 5 on the list).
With just three games remaining in the regular season, your Twos are hovering right above the playoff line in seventh place, just a single point ahead of this Sunday’s opponents. While it won’t mathematically finish either team’s regular-season push, this weekend’s match will have huge implications for the postseason picture, setting up what should be an extremely competitive affair.
The Black and Blue come into this match with mixed results in their last five matches, but a draw against the conference leaders and a win against the second-place team in the west should give them plenty of confidence ahead of this matchup. They’ve won six of their last seven home games, drawing the other and winning the ensuing shootout. They’ve turned Minnesota into a fortress down the final stretch, and they’re going to need that trend to continue this weekend.
In past seasons, North Texas has proven to be a thorn in MNUFC2’s side, earning big results at crucial times. They’ve already beaten the Twos twice this season, winning both in Texas and here in Minnesota. While not as strong as they’ve been in the past, this weekend’s visitors have managed a respectable away record, winning five and drawing three of their 12 road games. They’re one of only four teams to beat the Loons in Minnesota this year, a feat that will give them hope that they can do it again.
With the Academy season back in action and the first team jockeying for trophies and playoff position, every available Twos player is getting quality training time and minutes. The push for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs is heating up at the perfect time, and no matter who gets called into action this weekend, fans should expect to see a level of sharpness and intensity that truly ups the ante.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT this Sunday, with streaming available on MLS Season Pass. Let’s be honest, though; you’re not going to want to watch this one at home. Come on out to Allianz Field, with gates opening an hour before kick at 2:00 p.m. CT. The boys are going to need all the support they can get for this penultimate playoff push!
