A rematch of last year’s conference semifinals on Saturday ended in a draw between Minnesota United and the LA Galaxy, and this weekend sets the stage for another bout of playoff déjà vu. In 2024, the Loons knocked Real Salt Lake out of the MLS Cup race in the first round, and they’re hoping for a repeat performance when the Utahans arrive at Allianz Field on Saturday.
But this week, I don’t want to rehash the 2024 playoff bracket. Instead, I want to talk about what makes us not only a threat against RSL but also a major Western Conference contender this season. Even in the absence of five starters called up for international duty last weekend, the squad held the defending MLS Cup champs to a draw. Five out of 11 is a pretty big deal — 45.45 percent (repeating!), to get specific — but as our boys in Black and Blue proved on Matchday 5, wow, do we have depth this year.
The Attack
Kelvin Yeboah was missing his partner in crime during the international window, as Tani Oluwaseyi was busy scoring his first international goal for Canada. We’ve seen Robin Lod, Minnesota’s all-time leading goal scorer, start up front this season as well, but he was busy across the pond in Finland. The Loons’ most recent matchup saw Sang Bin Jeong start beside Yeboah, with Sam Shashoua subbing in at the hour mark. Five options in a two-striker system? I like those odds.
Plus, Yeboah has proven himself to be invaluable no matter who’s with him on the pitch. He added a brace on Saturday to double his total to four goals this season, leaving him tied for third in the league. Even beyond the five Loons we’ve seen up front so far, Minnesota can generate significant attacking threats from other spots on the field and has one of the league’s most versatile players in Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who trails Lod’s record of 32 MNUFC goals by just two.
In the midfield, Hassani Dotson, Wil Trapp, and Joaquín Pereyra were a strong starting trio, though the center line’s depth will be tested again with Dotson out on a knee injury. The team should be well-positioned to withstand that injury, though, with power to pull from the front or back lines. We’ll likely see Lod stepping in, and Minnesota’s bench has some quality options in Hoyeon Jung and Owen Gene, the latter of whom subbed on for Dotson last game.
The Defense
The biggest hole in the usual starting lineup was inarguably in the defense, as goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, captain Michael Boxall, and right center back Carlos Harvey were all playing for their respective national teams. The Loons have demonstrated tight defensive play with a five-man backline all season, and Coach Ramsay had no intention of changing the 5-3-2 formation that has proved so effective so far.
Alec Smir stepped in for St. Clair, looking composed and helping to organize a solid backline. Morris Duggan, who currently leads the league in clearances, stepped up with another admirable performance on the backline. Jefferson Díaz and Nicolás Romero stood in for Harvey and Boxy while Markanich and Hlongwane handled the flanks, with Rosales making an impact after subbing in at the 60’ mark. Between these guys, Devin Padelford, and DJ Taylor, among others, the Loons have plenty of defenders who can adapt to the formation as needed to keep the ball away from Minnesota’s net.
So what does this depth do for us outside of an international break? It gives Coach Ramsay options, which is crucial in a game where a few second-half subs can change everything. When players on the bench prove their mettle on the field, it ups the competition for one of those eleven starting slots throughout the week, raising the effort and talent output all around. Plus, a deep roster helps a team compete effectively across a long season, especially with multiple competitions like the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup.
Listen, it’s no surprise that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has more depth than one saltwater puddle. RSL is fresh off a 1-0 loss to Dallas in which Marczuk and Luna were absent for international breaks and captain Emeka Eneli was out with an injury — plus, a red card on striker Ari Piol had the team playing a man down from the 23rd minute on. RSL has felt Chicho Arango’s absence deeply, and it seems they have yet to find a way to make up for his almost-golden boots. The club struggled to fill in the gaps, and while that doesn’t mean they don’t have any depth (even the shallowest lake in Utah is nine feet deep), they don’t have it to the same promising extent that this Minnesota roster does.
This Saturday, our 45 percent will be back and better than ever. With the five of them raring to go after successful international play plus a bench sharpened from minutes against the Galaxy, Minnesota’s trusty 5-3-2 is in good shape. Don’t fear the Salt Lake, friends. Loons do best in water.
