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Minnesota United FC enters tonight’s match in a relatively tough spot. Having gone 0-1-2 in their last three matches the Loons are on a skid that could cost them a playoff spot.
“We’ve got six huge games coming up, it’s like six cup finals,” said Heath. “You look at, not only our fixture list, but everybody else’s, everybody seems to be playing each other right the way through. I said a few weeks ago, it’ll go down to the wire. “
Minnesota faces expansion side Austin FC tonight from Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX and the hosts are just 7-4-17 on the season. However one of those wins came against Minnesota at Allianz Field back in May. The second of the three meetings saw MNUFC win 2-0, also at home, but about 6 weeks later. The question will be if Minnesota United can get past the hosts and end this skid, something needed in order to make the playoffs.
A loss or even a draw in Austin could push MNUFC down below the playoff line. However Adrian Heath has said the playoffs are in his side’s own hands.
“We’ve made it difficult for ourselves but we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and let’s go again. It’s in our own hands. We’re still in the playoff position but we certainly have made it more difficult for ourselves for sure.”
A massive positive is the Loons coming back with a full slate of players, all five who were called up for International Duty return for Minnesota tonight. A fact that will certainly give MNUFC a heavy sigh of relief after the disastrous end last weekend.
Austin FC meanwhile is coming off a win over Real Salt Lake and is 2-0-3 in their last five matches with the other win coming against LA Galaxy. With those wins having helped MNUFC stay closer to getting higher up in the playoff spots.
Injury Report:
Minnesota United FC:
Out:
Justin McMaster – Thigh
Questionable:
Juan Agudelo - Ankle
Austin FC:
Out:
Matt Besler - Concussion
Ben Sweat - Left ACL
Ulises Segura - Left Knee
Aaron Schoenfeld - Left Knee
Danny Hoesen - Left Hip
Questionable:
None