They say that when it rains, it pours, and for Minnesota United, that old adage was true in more ways than one against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night. A perfect storm of misfortune included eight first team players being unavailable for the game, a 90-minute weather delay, and some unfortunate mistakes that lead to self-inflicted wounds. The Loons lost by a score of 3-4 in a game that they would probably like to forget about.

In just the 4th minute, Abu Danladi put Minnesota United ahead. Despite the fast start, MNUFC found themselves reeling just 11 minutes later, when Gyasi Zardes’ second goal of the match completely flipped the script and put the Rapids up 3-1. Minnesota United Head Coach Adrian Heath saw parallels between this collapse and the second half against Portland last weekend.

“We score a goal, which should be a real bonus on the road, an early goal from a set piece, and then we gift them three goals,” Heath said. “Then the whole momentum of the game changes. We saw it … that’s how it plays last week against Portland. It’s very, very fine margins and little instances can change the whole context and course of a game, and that’s what happened this evening. All four goals were down to the fact of our poor defending and they were all down toward… we’re responsible”

On top of the defensive frailties, MNUFC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair had a game to forget as well.

“Very, very poor goals to concede,” Heath said. “Dayne [St. Clair] has had a lot of really good publicity, but he’s had a bad night tonight. There’s no getting away from that. I thought all four goals were our fault. So, that’s eight goals in two games.”

While they found themselves behind on the road, MNUFC refused to give up. Impressive efforts from the Loons attacking corps kept the team in the game, but ultimately proved too little too late. With this silver lining in mind, Adrian Heath summed up the state of his team following the game.

“Individually, not being good enough all across the back,” Heath said. “Collectively, not being good enough… poor shape. I don’t know where it’s come from, but we’ve got the front four at the moment, I think [our front line is] doing really well. I think we can score when we go forward. Unfortunately, at the moment, the one thing that’s been very stable for us over the last few years is not in particularly good form at this moment in time.”

Historically, Heath is spot on; his team has not played this poorly in the back very often. In fact, the last two games mark both the first and second times this season that they have allowed four goals in a single game. While their goal output is impressive, a leaky defense is not something that is easily overcome. Defense wins championships after all, right?

The root of this defensive problem could realistically be any number of things. Whether it is fatigue, the absence of key players, or something unrelated, it doesn’t really matter what caused this hiccup. At the end of the day, all that truly matters is that the Loons find a solution quickly.

More often than not, such solutions can be found on the transfer market. Before the MLS transfer deadline last week, Minnesota United was able to get two signings in to bolster their ranks and attempt to solve their current problems.

The additions of Colombian forward Ménder García and Mexican midfielder Jonathan González will help lighten the load on MNUFC’s thin squad at the moment, as will the return of Robin Lod, Emanuel Reynoso, and Michael Boxall following their yellow-card suspensions.

When a solid defense starts leaking goals, midfield issues are often a contributing factor. The continued absence of Kervin Arriaga and Wil Trapp has left MNUFC without their preferred style. Options on the bench are increasingly limited, but González may finally bring the depth needed to put things back on track. Heath commented on when his new players would be available.

“Jonathan’s [González] in town,” Heath said. “He trained a little bit this morning. Had half his medical done. He will finish that off tomorrow. And, as I say, it’s day-to-day for Mender [Garcia]. We were hoping the back end of this week, so I’m hoping that early next week he will be in market.”

Despite a bad game, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Minnesota United. The offense played quite well, with Luis Amarilla scoring a wonderful goal just before halftime and Brent Kallman adding a third goal in the second half. While they had chances to earn the draw, it ultimately wasn’t meant to be.

“We’ve looked like we’re going to score when we go forward,” Heath said. “I thought Bongi [Bongokuhle Hlongwane] had the chance to make it four-all, but I thought he was outstanding again, the kid. As I say, as an attacking threat at this moment in time we look as though we’ve got goals in us. Unfortunately, knowing with that is the fact that we are leaking goals at the moment and that’s something that we have to address and address it fast.”

MNUFC are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, with a game in hand on third-place FC Dallas. The Black and Blue have scored 12 goals in their last five games, and Luis Amarilla appears to have found his shooting boots, having scored eight goals on the season.

With MLS All-Star week up next, MNUFC will be able to take a breath and refocus. Come next Saturday, they will be taking on Nashville SC as they seek to start a new unbeaten streak to replace the one they lost against the Rapids.

UP NEXT

Minnesota United FC v. Nashville SC

GEODIS Park | Nashville, Tennessee

08.14.22 | MLS Game 25

8:00 pm CT (FS1, FOX Deportes, 1500 ESPN)