Opposition Research: Minnesota United with Northland Soccer

FC Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand in April, when they take on Minnesota United.

Just like we’ve done in previous seasons, to help preview the upcoming game for FC Dallas, we have asked those who cover the other side the closest for help. This week, we're chatting with Ashle Paige from Northland Soccer Journal. (We also answered some questions on their site, which you can view soon!)

Opponent Insight: DALvMIN w/ Drew Epperley of Big D SoccerLoons vs Toros, North Star State vs Lone Star State, the Best State vs a State. MNUFC faces FC Dallas tomorrow and we got you folks the insight on the opposition.Northland Soccer JournalAshle Paige

Injury report

Michael Boxall and Peter Stroud are still questionable as of Monday. Julian Gressel is out until after the World Cup break.

Recent Form

Three wins and two draws in the last five matches (all comps.) and have scored six goals in the last three league matches. This is a team that went from a rebuilding phase in January to maybe the Loons can make a top-four playoff spot. The loss of Michael Boxall has impacted the team, but Morris Duggan has done well jumping into Boxy's longtime role running the defence. Offensively, the team is starting to find their legs, so to speak, and if they can pin down the shot selection and accuracy a little bit more, this can be a very dangerous side.

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Projected Starting Lineup/Formation

Projected Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

ST Chancalay

RW James

LW Bongi

LM Markanich

CM Trapp

CM Gene

RM Taylor

LCB Padelford

CB Duggan

RCB Harvey

GK Callendar

Key players to watch out for

Tomás Chancalay's recent performances have seen a huge breakout for him. Last weekend, he had two goal contributions (one goal, one asst.) against Portland. He and Kelvin Yeboah have seen their chemistry grow over the start of the season, which is also a pairing to watch should they both start.

What is one thing Minnesota does better than anyone else in MLS?

This is probably the toughest question. Up through last year, it would have been goalkeeping. But this season, statistically, the team is very much in the middle of the road. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be the toughness to break down in the final third.

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