As the Loons returned to their homeland from Florida, the preparation for their season opener began. It’s clear that the preseason has helped the team become more comfortable with one another, as the communication on the field is stronger than it was before. Head Coach Adrian Heath seems happy with the team and how far they’ve come already.
“The attitude of the players has been spot on since day one,” said Heath. “The atmosphere within the group has been excellent and that commitment to everything that we’ve asked of them has been first class. Been really pleased with the way we played, but the game against Orlando I thought there was large parts of the game where we’re outstanding sort of our play, you know we’re going to need all that on the weekend.”
The Loons came back from Florida with three wins and one loss out of the four preseason matches they played. They dropped the final game of the preseason slate against Orlando City, but that didn’t stop the Loons from focusing on the positives going forward.
With head coach Adrian Heath feeling confident about the team, the players faith in one another has grown and this season’s team is looking forward to what they can achieve. The team has gradually gotten into shape and are eager to start their 2021 season.
“As I had said at the start of the season, we feel good right now,” said midfielder Jan Gregus. “We’re in a good position, I think, physically and everything. We’ve prepared well in Orlando, so we will see after a few games.”
Minnesota United’s squad is deep this season. With over 25 players on the roster, the team is looking at having two to three players for every position. Some of the players had the opportunity to play with the Loons last season, even if it was for a short period, while others are looking at the start of their first season with the Minnesota.
“Across the board, just about every position, we’re at least two or three deep, and I think we’ve added some players now who can play multiple positions,” said midfielder Ethan Finlay. “There’s just a lot of versatility, I think, to our group. I’m really happy with the group, where we’re at. You’re always trying to be a part of a competitive team every year. That’s why we do it — try to win trophies and to compete — and I think we’re a really competitive team this year.”
Minnesota United will kick off their fifth season this Friday as they travel to Seattle for their season opener against the Seattle Sounders on Friday, April 16. Make sure to tune in on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. CT and follow Minnesota United’s social channels for live updates on our game and regular club updates.
