After a difficult loss last Saturday against Seattle Sounders, the Loons are looking to redeem themselves in their upcoming home opener against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 24. With the first game out of the way, the team is not allowing themselves to be defined by that one loss, especially with it being so early in the season.
“Of course we made a few mistakes and the opponent did well and scored their chances and we didn't score our chances,” said midfielder Robin Lod. “So I think there's a lot of good things to bring from the first game, but that doesn't say that we have a lot of things we need to correct in defensive ways. I think a little bit of both but mainly try to take the things from the first game, it was the first game of the season, the season is long, so there's plenty of room to add up."
With the Loons looking to turn a new page, their home opener is the next goal on their mind. Not only will this be the Loons’ first time back home since their 2020 season, it will be the first time in over 500 days that MNUFC fans will be in attendance.
“The opportunity to compete in front of your friends and your family and the people that support you, that’s the real privilege that we have,” said midfielder Ethan Finlay. “I’m excited, I know it will only be a couple thousand here right off the bat, but I think based off how loud they’ve been in the past, they’ll be cheering extra hard for everyone who can’t be there.”
As preparation for the game against Real Salt Lake this Saturday, MNUFC took to the pitch at Allianz Field for training this week. Players, both new and old, had the chance to step onto what is going to be the mainstage for them this weekend.
"It's amazing,” said Lod. “It just brings you happiness to be even walking there because it's absolutely amazing at the moment, so I'm really looking forward to playing there.”
Since this will be the Loons’ second match of the season, the first game jitters are out of their system. As for Real Salt Lake, this Saturday’s match will be their first of the 2021 season.
“We got what we’ve been able to get from preseason, but it’s never the same,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I think it would have been nice to have watched them play a meaningful game and seen their shape and see the way that they’re performing. And see their patterns with and without the ball. So we’ll have to wait and see. But, hey, at the end of the day, it’s what we do. We always respect the opposition. We don’t fear them. We give them the respect that they deserve. They’re always competitive. They always have a really good go, I always feel, Salt Lake. The games against them are traditionally tight, and I don’t expect any different. But I’m more concerned with the way we play.”
Minnesota United will welcome fans back to Allianz Field for their home opener this Saturday, April 24, as they play against Real Salt Lake. Make sure to tune in to Bally Sports North or The CW Twin Cities at 7:00 p.m. CT and follow Minnesota United’s social channels for live updates on our game as well as regular club updates.
