English
EspañolMinnesota United vs. FC Cincinnati
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Allianz Field
Stream: Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM, 1500
Weather: 18 degrees, overcast, 8 mph south wind
Betting line: MNUFC plus-105; draw plus-265; Cincinnati plus-210
Form: MNUFC (0-0-1, 1 point) earned a 2-2 draw with Austin FC in the season opener after Kelvin Yeboah scored in the 90th minute last Saturday. Cincinnati (1-0-0, 3 points) got two second-half goals for a 2-0 win over Atlanta United last week.
Big question: Will the stars play?
MNUFC midfielder James Rodriguez completed his first full week of training this week and head coach Cameron Knowles said the Colombian star will be available to make his MLS debut. Knowles said James’ first game for Minnesota is not inevitable this weekend and his possible role will be determined how the game plays out and what it needs. A role off the bench seems most likely.
Cincinnati midfielder Evander subbed out of the season opener with an apparent hamstring injury, but coach Pat Noonan didn’t rule out the one-name Brazilian for this weekend.
Context: It will be one of the coldest home games in Loons’ history and Knowles knows his team needs give fans a reason to bundle up and endure the weather.
“One, to be very difficult to breakdown, and two, to entertain,” Knowles said. “… It’s going to be cold. We want to give them energy as much as they give it to us.”
Check-in: For late February, Allianz Field’s natural grass surface got positive reviews from Knowles and captain Michael Boxall.
“The pitch is in fantastic condition considering the time of year,” Knowles said.
Comment: Knowles expressed support for former Loons manager Eric Ramsay, who was fired by West Bromwich Albion earlier this week. Ramsay was winless in nine total games for the club in the English second-tier.
“He’s a fantastic person and obviously a fantastic coach and hopefully his next opportunity is a good one for him,” Knowles said.
Scouting report: The Loons conceded two goals last week — one on a corner kick and one on a back-post finish. They will need to clean up its defensive issues against striker Kevin Denkey. The former Cercle Brugge player had 15 goals in MLS last season and one already this campaign.
Prediction: Cincinnati finished second in the MLS’ overall standings last season and appear to be ready for another top-tier season. But what the heck, let’s predict pure cinema: Minnesota gets a winning-goal contribution from James’ left foot in crunch time. Loons win 2-1.
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