RSL vs. Minnesota United: Match recap and goals

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Original publish date: February 16, 2017

RSL vs. Minnesota United: Match recap and goals

Six goals, one new MLS team, an exchange of leads, and another draw.

February 16, 2017

Real Salt Lake’s first match against Minnesota United FC was an exciting one. RSL went down 0-2, came back to lead 3-2, but ultimately gave up a final goal in stoppage. The game was fun to watch, even if the draw felt like a loss after going up.

Unlike the 3-3 draw with Portland, this match saw no real drama. We did learn that Kevin Molino is still a great player and seems to be working well, perhaps too well in this game, with Minnesota. MNUFC is shaping up to be a real fighter in their inaugural season.

Our attack, both pre and post full team substitutions, looked good. Granted our starting attack’s only goal was from a penalty, they were still doing a lot right. The fact that non-starters like Velazco and Barrett are offering so much make me very optimistic about our season.

The biggest challenge for RSL was the defense and connecting passes. It is preseason and those issues are fixable, especially when you take into account that our starting backline and midfield haven’t played together, but it’s worth keeping a close eye on how we resolve those issues.

Howie Smith points out some issues connecting the defense to the attack:

It does feel like the back line does not connect to the attack. I’m quick to put that on Luke and Silva, but I think it can also be attributed to the fullbacks. The more I watch, I just don’t like how the right back plays with the front. When Jordan went left and played with Demar, he was impressive and Plata disappeared when he was with Wingert. We’re in trouble if Wingert is any sort of a consistent presence on the field.

Another bright point was Jordan Allen. He’s shifting the perspective on himself from Swiss Army Knife to effective edge of the attack. In the latest edition of Man of the Match, Junior Matos writes:

Commitment to the offensive side of the ball is one thing, but his determination to create pressure on the player who dispossessed him has been a real treat. Allen also is able to use his speed to get on the defensive end of the field and help put numbers behind the ball so that RSL is able to transition from the defensive phase to the offensive one. All in all, Allen is a well-rounded player that has a great and bright future with the Claret and Cobalt.