Minnesota endured a shaky start to their inaugural MLS season, but the expansion side is improving each week. The Loons have scored 18 goals on the season which is third in the Western Conference and are averaging 3.3 goals scored per game at home. Adrian Heath’s side have only been kept scoreless once at home and hold a 3-3-0 record at TCF Bank Stadium.
“I think they have very good players with Kevin [Molino] and they have a striker [Ramirez] that has scored a couple goals. They can play,” Lions forward Cyle Larin told reporters Thursday at training.
Minnesota has a fluidity about their play in the final third and with players like Molino and Johan Venegas pulling the strings in midfield, Orlando City will have to be on top of their game from a defensive standpoint.
Lions GK Joe Bendik also weighed in on Minnesota United’s quality: “They are better than what people think they are so I think that could be difficult for us.” Orlando City are certainly not underestimating the expansion side as they head into the match this weekend.
Minnesota has been pouring in goals as of late but the team has only kept two clean sheets at home all season. Striker Cyle Larin’s eyes will widen at the prospect of getting after the Loons’ vulnerable defense.
“Just keep getting in those spots. I know the ball will come. Score here in training and keep hitting the back of the net. Just keep putting the ball in the back of the net in training and just get that feeling back,” Larin said after training yesterday.
There is no doubt that Orlando City will be going after all three points on Saturday in a match that will ideally get the Lions back to winning ways after a difficult month of May.
