United FC gameday
7 p.m. vs. Atlanta • NSC Stadium, Blaine • CH. 45
Preview: An Ottawa victory earlier this week means Minnesota cannot host a first-round playoff match. Incentive remains, however, to erase last week's loss and use the two final regular-season matches to ready for the postseason.
United FC at a glance: Minnesota (10-3-5 fall) saw its 11-match unbeaten streak end with a thud at Indy Eleven. Loons coach Manny Lagos said "tons of things didn't go well" for his team, which lost 3-1 and played without suspended defenders Tiago Calvano and Justin Davis and injured midfielder Juliano Vicentini. "We were without important players, but we all have to put our hands up when it comes being responsible to do a better job." Vicentini (hamstring) remains day-to-day. Captain and defender Aaron Pitchkolan will be sidelined after accumulating too many yellow cards in the fall season. "It's a big concern not having Pitch," Lagos said. "He's out there in practice and during matches making sure the team performs at a high level." Minnesota has delighted supporters by dropping just one match at the National Sports Center Stadium in 2015.
Atlanta at a glance: The Silverbacks (6-6-6) have endured a difficult year, finishing last in the spring season. Despite digging itself a deep hole, Atlanta has performed well this fall season and until recently was in the conversation for a postseason spot. But not only do the Silverbacks need to win out, they also need four teams to stumble in their final two matches. "I would love to finish on a really positive note to cap off what will have been a terrific turnaround for 20 games," coach Gary Smith said.
DAVID LA VAQUE
