NFL
Written By Steve Rogers
Match up: MN United FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
When: Saturday 7:30 pm CT, July 23, 2022
Where: Houston, Texas
Coverage: ESPN +
Venue: PNC Stadium
The Minnesota United FC are becoming the “Goldbergs” of the MLS this year. As in, they seem to be asking, “Who’s Next!” They have now won five of their last six matches, with a lone tie as the only misstep this month. You have to go back to June 25, 2022, to find the last time this team has felt a loss, which was their third consecutive. It’s not like they’re just picking on lesser opponents either. They began this streak with a road win against L.A. Galaxy. Then a home win against RSL, who they are now battling for third place in the western conference. After a quick trip north to Vancouver and another victory, they returned home to face SKC, who rallied late for a one-all tie. Staying home and welcoming D.C. United, the black and blue stayed focused and won on the strength of Emanuel Reynoso’s Brace. His third of the season. Not done winning as Premier League club, Everton came to town for an International Friendly, and they left stunned by the Loons, who dominated from start to finish final score of 4-0.
So, who is next? The Mn United FC will go back on the road this Saturday, 7/23/22, and head south to Texas to face Houston Dynamo FC. The Dynamo are 7-4-10 on the year, good for 11th in the western conference. The Dynamo has a goal differential of negative two. The top goal scorers for them are Darwin Quintero and Sebastian Ferreira. Both have seven goals. Adam Lundqvist leads the Dynamo in assists with five. Those sound like good numbers. Unfortunately, it hasn’t translated into team wins. In fact, the Dynamo are currently struggling, having lost three of their last five. If there is a plus side, their only win in their previous five came in their most recent game on July 17th against the San Jose Earthquakes.
That may not be enough. Because on the flip side coming to town are the hottest team in all of the MLS, the MN United FC. The United FC come into this match as hot as the sun itself. Having won four of their last five MLS matches with a draw in the middle. Plus, they just hosted Everton of the PL in an International Friendly and thoroughly trounced them 4-0. They even substituted all starters for the second half, and even they found a way to put one in the back of the net. The United FC confidence level has to be sky high at this point. Combine this streak with the last five matches these two clubs have had head to head, and MN United FC is still on fire, having won three consecutive games and two additional draws.
This continues to play into the Mn United FC’s hands as they look to keep this ball of momentum rolling. They get to roll into hostile territory while dominating overall but also individually against their next opponent. It seems like when you have a goalkeeper like Dayne St. Clair who is putting up clean sheets on one side of the ball. Then on the other, you have possibly the best Midfielder in all of the MLS, Emanuel Reynoso. On the year, he has nine total goals; of those, he has scored three Brace (s) this season. They have both been so good they have been named to the MLS All-Star Game, which will be held in their home stadium of Allianz Field, coming up on Aug. 10th. When you put together an All-Star Goalkeeper with an All-Star midfielder, you get a magical mixture. This match against Houston is one of two left before the All-Star break. Let’s see if the MN United FC can remain undefeated till the break. As always, scarves up, Minnesota!
