Loons set goal to score more goals, give up fewer

It's been a rough start in MLS, both offensively and defensively, for Minnesota United FC. The club hasn't topped the 50-goal mark in either of its seasons while giving up a ton of scores in each. The Loons spent the offseason shoring up a defense that has surrendered 2.1 goals per match over two seasons. Parlaying strong defense into more scoring opportunities is one approach the club will take to get closer to the 48-point mark, which likely would put the Loons in the playoff hunt.

41

Goals scored by United the past two seasons in its 34 road games. The Loons have scored 55 goals at home the past two seasons.

90

Goals surrendered on the road by the Loons since entering the league (2.6 per game). That's a stark contrast to the 51 goals they surrendered in 34 games (1.5 per game) at TCF Bank Stadium.

17.6%

United's road winning percentage in its two seasons. The Loons are 4-26-4 on the road during the past two seasons. The club brings a 57.4 home winning percentage (17-12-5) on its move from TCF Bank to Allianz Field this season.

Goals Please

Scoring has been a problem for the Loons since entering MLS. They saw a two-goal improvement from 2017 to 2018 but are tied for 17th in the league with 96 over the past two seasons.

60

100

140

Atl. leads MLS with 140 goals since 2017.

Salt Lake, Vancouver and Seattle: 104

Loons, Columbus: 96

Colorado: 67

Defensively speaking

The Loons have given up a record 141 goals over the past two seasons. The club brought in goalkeeper Vito Mannone and his Premier League experience to help.

145

105

65

Loons have allowed the most goals (141) since 2017.

Today's opponent (Van.) is tied with New England for fifth most (116).

K.C. has allowed the fewest (69).

Efficient offense

While United has struggled to score and create shots on goal, when the Loons do attack downfield, their aim is better than most in MLS.

26

32

38

Loons (35.9) are one of seven teams that score on 35 percent or more of their shots on goal.

Real Salt Lake, which has the most shots on goal since 2017 (385), has MLS' lowest conversion rate (27 percent).

Sources: MLS.com; mnufc.com • Note: Graphs above do not include LAFC, which joined the league last year.

Last season's united leaders

Darwin

Quintero

GOALS • 11

Darwin

Quintero

assists • 15

Darwin

Quintero

shots on goal • 32

Miguel

Ibarra

SOG Perc. • 51.4

bobby shuttleworth

saves • 103

francisco

calvo

yellow cards • 9