Atlanta United (15-8-8) will look to finish a busy stretch of matches on a high note as they host fellow expansion side Minnesota United (9-16-5) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday. While the teams’ first matchup ended in a lopsided victory for Atlanta, Minnesota has improved significantly since the second match of the season. Here’s what Five Stripes fans can expect out of their next opponent:
Hometown Hero on the Wing
Perhaps the biggest catalyst of Minnesota’s late-season offensive resurgence has been the midseason acquisition of veteran MLS winger Ethan Finlay. The Minnesota native has provided an extra bit of class to the United wing, scoring four goals and assisting three more since making the move from Columbus in the summer transfer window. Finlay is a direct, speedy winger, with a knack for getting to the byline and sending in a teasing cross to the center forward. The Crew rode his connection with Kei Kamara to an MLS Cup final a few seasons ago, and he is building a connection with another tall center forward in Christian Ramirez for Minnesota. Closing him down and blocking the cross before it can penetrate the box could be a major key for Atlanta as they try to shut down a potent attacking connection.
NASL Connection
Fans called them “Batman” and “Superman” back when they played in NASL, and Miguel Ibarra and Christian Ramirez remain as vital to the team’s success now as they were back when they were superheroes in the lower division. The two have had a close bond both on the field and off for years, and after spending time on the bench early in the season, Minnesota United have put their trust back in the potent attacking duo to some success. Ibarra is more of a playmaker, cutting in from the wing for dynamic attacks in transition and quick passing to get behind the defense. Ramirez – Superman – is the striker; a clinical finisher inside the eighteen-yard box whose scoring prowess has been consistent for years and is now translating to the highest level. Ramirez is the team’s top scorer this season with 13 goals so far, and Ibarra has added three of his own with limited minutes. Breaking up their connection and starving Ramirez of service in the box will go a long way to locking down a Minnesota offense that has come to life in the second half of the season.
Costa Rican Captain
It was primarily the defensive performance that let Minnesota United down in their first meeting with Atlanta United earlier this year that ended 6-1 on a snowy day up north. But the Loons have been much more solid in the back as the season has developed. The addition of Marc Burch at left back has certainly helped, but their reorganization and newly found chemistry has been led by Costa Rican international Francisco Calvo. The 25-year-old center back has been one of Minnesota’s most consistent performers this season, and recently said, “I want to beat that team so bad,” when asked about the possibility of revenge against Atlanta for the lopsided result earlier this year. But with center back partner Michael Boxall off on international duty, there could be an opportunity for Atlanta to exploit the inclusion of a reserve player and less familiar mind next to Calvo in Tuesday’s match.
Follow Along
The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, and a limited number of tickets are available for purchase here. If you can’t make it in person, make sure to tune in on Fox Sports South as Atlanta United looks to jump into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
