Minnesota United Secure MLS Playoffs While Cashing In on Star Striker's Villarreal Move
Just one day following the transfer of their leading goalscorer to Villarreal in La Liga for an estimated $8.5 million, Minnesota United advanced further in their campaign by securing their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Loons found their coffers boosted on Saturday morning after completing the widely anticipated transfer of Canadian striker Tani Oluwaseyi to Spain's premier division, but needed to chart a path forward minus one of their most explosive offensive weapons.
This challenge didn't present an immediate overwhelming obstacle for Eric Ramsay's high-pressing squad, as Robin Lod's strike contributed to a 1–1 stalemate with Portland Timbers, confirming their postseason qualification and making them only the second Western Conference team to achieve this milestone, following San Diego FC.
"I'm clearly extremely proud of the effort that has gone into [securing an early playoff berth]," Ramsay commented after the match.
"I believe we've surpassed everyone's predictions, but all our discussions have centered on competing at the highest level and contending for silverware, not about becoming complacent after earning playoff qualification."
Surpassing Predictions
Locking up a playoff position with five matches remaining wasn't anticipated for Minnesota this campaign, but through minimal possession, aggressive pressing and rapid transitions, Ramsay and his squad have discovered a winning formula.
Maintaining under 40 percent ball control across 29 matches might not be the initial tactical approach most coaches would consider. Nevertheless, for the 33-year-old Ramsay, this strategy matched the squad composition and has enabled them to maximize their forwards' capabilities.
Nevertheless, parting ways with Oluwaseyi presents difficulties.
Until now, the Canadian's strength and speed have enabled Minnesota to depend on him to spearhead counterattacks. Moving forward, they must rely on his attacking partner, Kelvin Yeboah, to fill that void, along with Saturday's scorer, Lod, and recent acquisition Mamadou Dieng who made his first appearance against Portland.
"I believe for [Kelvin Yeboah] it's about streamlining. Finding himself in scenarios now where things are somewhat different since Tani isn't there anymore," Wil Trapp explained regarding the necessary adaptations.
"[Yeboah] is now the sole striker up front and that's going to require some adjustment time. So I think for him it's about sticking to his approach, staying relaxed, sharp, and continuing to find the right positions and eventually success will follow."
Though they may have bid farewell to Oluwaseyi's 10 goals and eight assists, they maintain faith in Yeboah's nine goals, plus Lod, Trapp and designated player midfielders Joaquín Pereyra and Dominik Fitz.
At the season's start, few would have predicted the Loons would be challenging near the Western Conference's top four. Nevertheless, they've consistently impressed, developing a distinctive approach that fits their style, and which opponents have struggled to solve.
International Window, U.S. Open Cup Approach
During the upcoming fortnight, several Loons will get an opportunity to recover, while others will serve their countries. However, the crucial period starts upon their return, with the U.S. Open Cup semifinals and the final push toward the playoffs.
Five squad members will depart for international duty, before the team resumes MLS competition on Sept. 13 against league-leading San Diego, while also preparing for the domestic cup semifinal versus Austin FC, as they aim for a potential triple crown pursuit of the U.S. Open Cup, Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup during the autumn.
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With the pause, it provides some respite—but also presents risks, as they hope to preserve their positive momentum despite the temporary separation.
"We're clearly losing some quite significant players, and the preparation for that San Diego match will be intriguing for both clubs since I believe they could lose as many as 10 [players]," Ramsay noted.
"We're very optimistic the [international window] will provide us with renewed energy, fresh vigor similar to how the players who joined our group last season did. And then we have five matches where each game we contest is winnable. We're truly capable of embarking on a streak that could see us finish at the summit, and that's the standard we'll hold ourselves to."