August 26, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Minnesota United FC 2 News Release
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – MNUFC2 takes its current homestand of matches to Allianz Field when it faces the Houston Dynamo 2 in the second game of a double header in St. Paul on Saturday night. The Loons are coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Real Monarchs last week that ended in a shootout, where Minnesota won 3-1 and secured the extra point. Defender Nabilai Kibunguchy scored the lone goal in regulation and goalkeeper Alec Smir made three key saves in a row to capture the shootout win.
MNUFC2 continues to make a playoff push with just four matches left to play in regular-season action. Ahead of Saturday’s match, the Loons are in fifth place with 33 points while the Dynamo 2 ranks fourth – and holds the final Western Conference playoff spot – with 40 points. With the margin between the two sides being seven points, Minnesota is in must-win territory. Notably, the Loons have won five times at home this season, including once at Allianz Field (versus Colorado Rapids 2, April 17).
The Houston Dynamo 2 and MNUFC2 have squared off twice this season with close results: At Allianz Field on May 14 where the sides played to a 1-1 draw in regulation (Minnesota winning the shootout 5-4) and in Houston where the home team took three points in a 1-0 defeat over the Loons. Having had two tightly-contested games earlier this season alongside a fight for the final playoff spot, Saturday’s game looks to be a competitive, high-energy match for both teams.
MATCH NOTES:
MNUFC2 hosts the Houston Dynamo 2 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. The game starts at 6:00 p.m. CT following the conclusion of the MNUFC and Houston Dynamo contest, and can be viewed by streaming at www.mlsnextpro.com.
Cameron Knowles on the keys to finishing strong down the final regular-season stretch
“We’re on the outside looking in. We’re below that playoff line and if we’re going to get ourselves in the top four, then we have to beat these teams that are above us. These are true six-point games that are coming up with Houston [Dynamo 2] and North Texas. I’m confident with our group. I think they feel like they should have taken more points off those guys earlier in the season and so there’s a lot riding on those games for us.”
MNUFC2 vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO 2
ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
08.27.22 | MLS Next PRO Regular Season | Week 21
6:00 p.m. CT (mlsnextpro.com)
2022 Record
MIN: 8-7-5 (5-2-2 at home)
HOU:…
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