NFL
Minnesota United is still in search of their first win at their home stadium, Allianz Field, this weekend. Currently, they are 3-2-3, with a total of 2 points earned at home. Last season, in 2022, the Loons went 8-5-4 at home earning them a total of 29 points. Those 29 points were the majority of their total 48 points to earn themselves a playoff bid against their next opponent, FC Dallas.
In the presence of Emanuel Reynoso, Minnesota United went into a shootout with FC Dallas with the score knotted at 1-1. Dallas went on to win with Dayne St. Clair was unable to get a stop against Dallas, losing the shootout 4-5. MNUFC would get their revenge by winning their season opener at Dallas 1-0. Dayne St. Clair has a combined total of 8 saves over 2 games with 7 of those coming in last years’ playoff game.
Minnesota United has been able to show they can compete with some of the league’s best but, without their best goal scorer in Reynoso (suspension article here), they haven’t been able to capitalize on their looks on goal. Of their 82 shots taken this season, only 22 have been on goal (27%). The breakdown goes as follows: 4-8 vs FC Dallas, 2-11 vs NYRB, 1-10 vs CO Rapids, 2-8 vs Vancouver, 0-9 Saint Louis City, 6-10 vs Chicago, 4-17 vs Orlando, and 4-9 vs Seattle.
At this point in the season last year, 8 games in, Minnesota United had 31 Shots on goal – with 97 total shots taken (31%). With 15 fewer shots taken so far this season, it is clear that Minnesota is not putting the same level of pressure on opposing goalkeepers. The more shots you are able to take, the more you keep the keeper guessing. Except in the case of Minnesota’s last home game versus Orlando City. They had 17 shots taken with 4 of them on goal. Orlando City’s Keeper Pedro Gallese (and reigning Save of the Year Winner) was on point saving 3 of those 4 shots on goal and the 3 were aimed right at him.
Minnesota’s passing accuracy has been good enough to get into opposing zones but their ability to capitalize has diminished without the presence of Emanuel Reynoso. I think that was a large reason for the signing of Sangbin Jeong from Korea. Jeong had 6 goals in 1,871 minutes of play for 0.29 goals per 90 minutes. Jeong has had 2 shots (one of them on target) in his 2 games played with Minnesota. He is understanding the flow of the offense and is getting opportunities early.
I expect Jeong to get his first goal as a loon this weekend versus Dallas. Dallas has allowed 11 goals in their 9 games so far this season and have not been as dominant on the road as they have been at home. So, we shall see if Minnesota can make work of these analytics to get their first win at home.
