Minnesota United is set to clash with FC Dallas at 7:55 p.m. on Friday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The match will be streamed on FS1 and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with radio coverage on KSTP-AM, 1500. The weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 85 degrees and a 12 mph north wind. Betting odds currently favor Minnesota United at plus-135, with a draw at plus-250 and Dallas at plus-180.
The Loons, with a record of 9-4-7 and 34 points, have shown resilience with only one loss in their last seven MLS matches. However, they recently conceded a 90th-minute goal, resulting in a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls. Meanwhile, FC Dallas, standing at 5-8-6 with 21 points, has struggled with only one win in their last nine matches since May, recently losing 3-2 to San Diego after conceding a 96th-minute goal.
Recent Matchup and Team Form
The last encounter between these two teams ended in a scoreless draw in St. Paul in April. During that match, FC Dallas was without their leading scorer, Petar Masa, due to an ankle injury. Minnesota’s forward duo, Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi, managed only 0.5 expected goals.
Dallas has collected only five of a possible 27 points at Toyota Stadium, which is currently undergoing a $182 million renovation.
Coaching Perspectives
Loons head coach Eric Ramsay has been vocal about the team’s possession struggles, which currently stand at a league-low 38%. Reflecting on the recent draw with the Red Bulls, Ramsay highlighted the need for improvement in ball retention and counter-attacking precision.
“I would much rather spend the final 20 minutes in their half, but that unfortunately isn’t a huge strength of ours at the moment,” Ramsay told reporters. “We let ourselves down in the moments where we turned the ball over too cheaply and weren’t able to counter attack either with more precision or more patience. It’s that side of the game that needs to improve.”
Player Returns and Absences
The return of forward Tani Oluwaseyi, known for his improved hold-up play, is expected to aid Minnesota in maintaining possession. Oluwaseyi, along with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and Carlos Harvey, are back from international duty. However, the team will be without Joseph Rosales, who is also on international duty, and Morris Duggan due to a back injury. FC Dallas faces its own challenges with key players Anderson Julio and Osage Urhoghide sidelined by injuries.
Projected Lineup
Minnesota United is anticipated to adopt a 5-4-1 formation featuring:
- Forward: Tani Oluwaseyi
- Midfielders: Joaquin Pereyra, Robin Lod, Owen Gene, Wił Trapp
- Wing Backs: Anthony Markanich (LWB), Julian Gressel (RWB)
- Center Backs: Niko Romero, Michael Boxall, Jefferson Diaz
- Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
Scouting Report and Predictions
FC Dallas has conceded an average of three goals per match in their last three games, while Minnesota has scored an average of 2.5 goals over their last four matches. This suggests a potentially high-scoring affair on Friday.
Every single time MNUFC has tied a game this season, it has been followed by another draw. That oddity will stop Friday in an easier place to play. Loons win 2-1.
Looking Ahead
Beyond this match, attention will also turn to MNUFC’s Under-16 academy forward Tim Dennis, who is set to participate in the MLS Next All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, on July 21. Dennis, a Brooklyn Park native, joined the Loons academy in 2021 and was invited to a U.S. youth national team talent ID camp in 2023. He becomes the fourth United product to play in the youth All-Star Game showcase since its inception in 2022.
This match against FC Dallas offers Minnesota United a chance to solidify their position in the standings and build momentum as the season progresses. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the MLS season.