MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. FC CINCINNATI
Allianz Field | St. Paul, Minnesota
05.07.2022 | MLS Week No. 10 | MLS Game No. 10
7:00 p.m. CT (Bally Sports North, The CW Twin Cities and MNUFC Radio on SKOR North)

Sunday night's game was a late one. Unfortunately, so were LAFC’s two game-clinching goals. Despite fending off multiple front-of-the-net opportunities and holding the home team’s attack at bay for 82 minutes, MNUFC would ultimately take the 2-0 loss to LAFC. This Saturday, the Black and Blue return home to square off with FC Cincinnati, a matchup in which Minnesota United have historically dominated, taking three points in all four previous meetings. This week, a few extra days of rest and a home-field advantage should re-energize the Loons against an FC Cincinnati squad that’s going short on rest after playing Toronto on Wednesday night. In order to get back to their winning ways, the Loons will look to lean in to those advantages and finish Saturday night in victorious fashion.

ADRIAN HEATH ON FC CINCINNATI SO FAR THIS YEAR...

“They’ve obviously changed the roster a little bit and I think they’re probably in a better shape and a better place than they’ve been since they’ve come into the league. I’ve been through what they went through. It’s not an easy time when you’re not really 100% prepared to come into the MLS but they are getting better, they are adding pieces. The last couple of games that I’ve watched, the game against [LAFC] the week before, the game could’ve gone either way. We’ll have to play well, as you always have to do in this league when you play at home or away. You’ve got to earn the right to go and win the game and that’s what we’ll have to do this weekend.” MORE

MICHAEL BOXALL ON HIS ANALYSIS OF FC CINCINNATI...

“Every year they start behind, but I think this year they’ve got a lot more about them. They do score and are more dangerous in the final third. Obviously [Luciano] Acosta, he’s always been class for them. But I’m saying that, with all the years, especially at home, a bit of success against this team. Without the fans behind us, in our half… we’ve got to go after three points.” MORE

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

• WATCH THE THROW: In the first of Cincinnati’s two wins over Toronto FC this week, they scored a goal that is worth keeping an eye on for Minnesota’s defense. From a throw-in deep in the attacking end, Alvas Powell unleashed a long throw into the box that Luciano Acosta controlled and scored from. The throw made it all the way from the sideline to the edge of the six-yard box in the air, functionally creating a set-piece opportunity where there wasn’t meant to be one. Any side that has someone with a viable long throw brings a different element to defend within the box, and Cincinnati appears to have that in their bag of tricks for the Minnesota backline to worry about. MORE

FIRST TOUCHES

• Minnesota United is undefeated in three total MLS matchups against Cincinnati (3-0-0), having never allowed a goal in that time.
• Cincinnati has been more successful on the road (2-2-1, 7 pts) than at home (1-3-0, 3 pts) this season.
• Even with Sunday’s defeat, Minnesota’s eight goals allowed are tied for sixth-fewest in MLS.
• Luis Amarilla and Álvaro Boreal played together for Velez Sarsfield in Argentina in 2018-19. MORE