By Bridget McDowell // @BCMcDowell
Saturday, September 22: 3-2 Win
A scrappy squad came home to roost at the University of Minnesota on Saturday night. Was it pretty? Not always. Was it effective? In the first half, yes; in the second, just barely. Was it enough to win? Probably not enough for a spot in the playoffs, but it resulted in a round of Wonderwall for the fans who might just give the front office a few days’ peace and quiet. Three points all around then.
Minnesota United FC, a club that typically has problems getting out of its own half — with every attack muddled in the midfield and defensive tactics picked apart with a few probing passes — quickly found its legs against a tough Portland Timbers side. Of course, the Loons, who began the match attacking toward the Supporters, had this strong image to bolster their intentions against the Timbers:
TIMBERRRRRRR #DCMN | #WWMN | #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/LbtvaIMEsr
— Dark Clouds ☁ #DCMN (@MNDarkClouds) September 23, 2018
United, running out a 4-2-3-1 which consisted of 6 midfielders, cast an unlikely Paul Bunyan: Romario Ibarra. When Darwin Quintero took advantage of a beautiful long ball from midfield to charge into the box, Portland keeper Steve Clark dove too early; Quintero skipped the ball over him toward the far post and into the path of Romario Ibarra. Step, shoot, score. 1-0 in the 18th minute.
Put ● A ● Loon ● On ● It pic.twitter.com/VW3lfsMEDl
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 23, 2018
It took ‘Super Romario’ another 18 minutes to bag a brace, putting the home team up 2-0, but the moment was soured by a leg injury during the play that saw him subbed off immediately. No matter. Minnesota had another lumberjack in back.
Defender Michael Boxall scored a stunner to widen the gap minutes before the break and it was as if some sort of alternate reality had developed at TCF Bank Stadium.
What’s in the @boxy?
Full #PORvMIN Highlights » https://t.co/4YGa4jsEjZ pic.twitter.com/nmFkSl8cKJ
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 23, 2018
Thankfully, Alvas Powell and Sebastien Blanco came out of the Portland dressing room determined to remind us that we are Minnesota sports fans. With Powell and Blanco scoring in the 55th and 79th minutes, respectively, the Supporters, though loud, became unsettled. The questions began: Would the Supporters sing Wonderwall with raised scarves or would they hum another tune over their sad beers?
Hello Darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again…
A red card issued to Fernando Bob in the final minute of regulation would have been the cue for Simon & Garfunkel for most teams. But the Loons play better a man down than up. They gutted out six minutes of stoppage time. And that beautiful record played.
And all the roads we have to walk are winding…
Unlike a previous 3-2 win at home, the locker room was festive and Adrian Heath spoke encouragingly (and cryptically, as always), pointing to positive moments from his players (Miguel Ibarra‘s work rate, Quintero’s creativity) that they can build on this week.
And build they must against NYCFC. Bob and Maximiano will be suspended and Romario Ibarra is yet to be assessed. But in this stadium, with these fans, with just a little momentum…
Just maybe…
Featured image: @MNUFC
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