Match Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps vs Minnesota United | Chaotic Evil

Everything is terrible.

Kick off: July 27th, 5:00 PM.

TV: TSN2

Minnesota United:

Adrian Heath, a man considered by many to be a buffoon, has managed to turn around one of the most comically bad teams in MLS over the past two seasons. Of course as MLS stratifies there are always quite a few comically bad teams so Minnesota never finished last but they did concede 141 goals over the past two seasons. He did this by brining in a difference maker DP (Darwin Quintero) midway through the season they were bad and plugging MLS proven players into previous areas of weakness. Madness! Personally I have doubts about the long term viability of this turnaround because most of their key players are pretty old but it really does sting to see the Whitecaps get overtaken by a team like Minnesota.

Putting existential despair to one side for a moment, Minnesota usually play a 4-2-3-1. Jan Gregus and Osvaldo Alonso form a shield in front of the back four while also helping transition the team into attack. This stands in stark contrast to the midfield of the Vancouver Whitecaps, most of whom are not capable of either of those things. The team moves around Darwin Quintero, who’s pace and dribbling ability makes Minnesota dangerous on the counter attack. The loons actually average less possession per game than the Whitecaps so that should create an interesting dynamic.

Vancouver Whitecaps

Injuries:

Minnesota:

• QUESTIONABLE: F - Angelo Rodriguez (right ankle injury)
• QUESTIONABLE: M - Osvaldo Alonso (right shoulder injury)

Vancouver:

• OUT: D - Jasser Khmiri (left knee injury)

The Whitecaps will also be unable to call on the services of Simon Colyn, Michael Baldisimo or David Norman Jr. who are away with the U23 team. Why would anyone want to see any of them play anyway?

Predicted Lineups:

Minnesota: Munnone; Métanire, Opara, Boxall, Gasper; Gregus, Dotson; Finlay, Quintero, Molino; Toye

Vancouver: Who cares?