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Allianz Field's grounds crew worked overnight Saturday manicuring grass that had been laid only three weeks ago into game condition after St. John's and St. Thomas played a college football game.
All four home teams won on Saturday's opening day of the 2019 MLS playoffs and Philadelphia follow with a dramatic comeback Sunday afternoon. Minnesota United plays host to LA Galaxy on Sunday night.
The stage is set for the first MLS playoff game in Minnesota United history. "Every moment matters, right?" said United veteran midfielder Ethan Finlay, who played seven playoff games with Columbus in 2014 and 2015.
Two weeks after it ended its regular season with a 1-1 draw at Seattle, Minnesota United makes its MLS playoff debut as the home team in a No. 4/No. 5 seed matchup.
The Loons' playoff success, starting against L.A. Galaxy's star-studded scoring power, hinges on its meticulously acquired and highly successful trio of defensive stalwarts.
Jan Gregus was the first of six Loons to return after being called to play for their national teams during a nine-day FIFA international break scheduled this year
A 2-0 loss to Canada, which hadn't defeated the United States in 35 years, is a low rivaling two years ago when the Americans failed to make the World Cup.
With a sparkling new home in Allianz Field, United and its noisy supporters head into Sunday's playoff game with a fittingly modest Minnesota cheer: "Say shh."
Ike Opara, who won the honor in 2017 with Sporting Kansas City, helped lead Minnesota United's defensive transformation after its first two goal-ridden seasons in MLS.
Is this anything more than a First-World Problem? The Vikings and Twins shared Metropolitan Stadium for years, and even had company from Minnesota's pro soccer team from another era.
L.A.. Galaxy superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose trophy-studded career carved in Europe made him MLS' highest-paid player, stands 6-5 and plays a dominating style on and off the pitch.
The way to next month's MLS Cup final is two games shorter because of a new format, but Minnesota United very likely will have to win two games away from Allianz Field to get there.
The American side hasn't lost to Canada in 35 years. The youthful Canadians, led by Alphonso Davies, get two cracks at the U.S. in the next two months, the first on Oct. 15.
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath would like to see international play bumped up so his players return sooner, particularly with the team's first playoff game approaching.