Written By Steve Rogers
International Friendly: Minnesota United FC vs. Everton FC
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Location: Allianz Field
Kickoff: 7:00p.m. CT
Broadcast: Bally Sports North and ESPN +
(coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.)
Broadcast Stream: ballysports.com
The Black and Blue of MN United FC welcomed the Black and Red of D.C. United FC on Saturday night. On the strength of yet another brilliant performance by Emanuel Reynoso, who scored a pair of goals to help lead his Loons to victory. He has been named the MLS week 21 Player Of The Week. The MN United have been seemingly unstoppable all month long as they have now been unbeaten in five straight matches. Having won four of their last five with a single draw mixed in, they have skyrocketed up the standings from the bottom to a top three squad.
Next up for the MN United is an interesting midweek matchup against a Premier League side, Everton F.C. Everton is preparing for the 2022 -2023 season with a short two-match tour of the U.S.A. Their first of these two matches was last week on Saturday against fellow EPL side Arsenal at M&T Bank Stadium. Everton, also known as the “Toffees,” came up on the losing side of this match 0-2. Now they’ll look to bounce back against MN United FC in Minnesota at Allianz Field. Who are managed by former Toffee Adrian Heath. Heath played for Everton for six years. During which he won two First Division titles and an FA Cup.
The way Heath has his MN United FC club playing at such an elite level this month it may or may not be so easily achieved. United Fc is coming into this home-friendly match flying high, carrying a five-game unbeaten streak. This figures to be a really good match-up. MN United FC has two players who have been voted into this year’s MLS All-Star game. They are Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who stands 6’3″ tall. So far this year, he has started 19 games. He has only given up 23 goals. His 67 saves are 19 more than his previous season’s high mark of 48. He has four clean sheets, and his save percent is 74.4, which is his second-highest season mark. He is clearly improving his game and making a name for himself as one of the league’s top Goalkeepers. The other who plays on the offensive side of the ball is Emanuel Reynoso. The Midfielder is also enjoying what may be his breakout year. After achieving his third brace in the last five games, he has scored nine times on the year. Good for three more than his total for last season. Reynoso is the star of this Loons team, but this year he might just be making a case for league MVP.
United FC is playing some of its best soccer right now. They also will benefit from being in front of their home crowd. Also, this will be the first time these two clubs have faced one another. This should mean one thing; this match should be full of action. Everton will be looking to build some momentum heading into their new season. For MN United FC, it’s a chance to show they can run with the big teams from the UK. Remember, as always, scarves up, Minnesota!