Minnesota United’s play in Seattle remains a broken record.
Loss, loss, loss, loss, loss, loss, loss, loss.
With a 1-0 defeat Saturday night, the Loons have now dropped all eight matches at Lumen Field since joining MLS in 2017. The Sounders also improved on what has become the best winning percentage (.846) against a single opponent in at least 10 games played in MLS history.
MNUFC (3-3-2, 11 points) also has now lost three straight MLS games after a five-game unbeaten run to start the season.
The Sounders (6-2-1, 19 points) have not conceded a goal in five home games, outscoring opponents 10-0.
Jordan Morris and his MLS-leading eight goals subbed in the 66th minute, but it was another stoppage and substitution that preceded the Sounders’ goal.
On a throw-in, a poke-away clearance by Micky Tapias found Albert Rusnak with space at the top of the box and he smacked a shot past a diving Loons goaltender Dayne St. Clair in the 79th minute for the only goal of the game. It happened so quickly Apple TV didn’t capture the beginning of the play.
“I think we were maybe a little flat-footed,” Minnesota United fullback D.J. Taylor said. “It was a little bit of lack of concentration, (Rusnak) was so free at the top of the box. Maybe that starts with us not reacting to the throw-in and being correctly organized with the players in front of us. I think it’s really on us to make sure we are organized.”
Saturday was also the first time MNUFC has been shut out this season.
Manager Adrian Heath praised the Loons’ defensive shape, but also acknowledged how the offense didn’t threaten Seattle’s defense.
“In general play, nearly all evening, I didn’t think they caused us many problems — not like they normally do here,” Heath said. “So there has been a lot of good stuff, but if I could be a little bit critical, I didn’t think we caused them enough problems in forward areas.”
Heath sought continuity with his forward players and was able to use the same front four Saturday: Three attacking midfielders — Bongi Hlongwane, Sang Bin Jeong and Robin Lod —with striker Mender Garcia. The Loons brought on attacking substitutes Luis Amarilla and Franco Fragapane.
Those six players combined to have three shots on goal and 0.41 expected goals.
Briefly
Starting left back Kemar Lawrence and reserve center back Brent Kallman were absent as both players dealt with separate family matters. … Other CBs Doneil Henry and Mikael Marques were out with injuries, so MNUFC signed MNUFC2 player Britton Fischer to a short-term agreement to join the MLS side for Saturday. … Minnesota’s opponent in the U.S. Open Cup, Detroit City, lost 1-0 to Sacramento Republic on Saturday to fall to 1-5-1 in USL Championship this season. … Midfielder Wil Trapp tweaked his hamstring and wasn’t with the team Saturday. He will not fly to Michigan on Sunday for the national tournament game on Tuesday. … The Loons will call up a few MNUFC2 players to help out midweek, including Fischer, Devin Padelford, Tani Oluwaseyi and Emmanuel Iwe.
