Minnesota United once again came out of a match with the better of the chances on the day, but still fell and failed to gain any points. Two Atlanta goals on 0.93 xG compared to one Loons goal on 2.00 xG. This has been a theme as of late with Minnesota getting the better opportunities to score, but just unable to hit the back of goal, something Cameron Knowles expressed frustration with.
“Similar to what we've been saying. There's a boatload of chances in there. We concede off a set piece where we're not quite quick enough to get out. They get a lucky deflection that falls to a really good player and puts it in the back of the net," said Knowles. "And second one, we're a moment from rounding the keeper, and then transition happens and difficult chances. It's frustrating. Tonight with the celebration that the club has had, the alumni that's in the building, we expected more out of ourselves, and we just weren't able to deliver.”
One thing that Knowles specifically pointed out from the club was a lack of intensity, saying “I thought we needed more intensity for sure" to the media following the match. Players echoed this sentiment in the dressing room as well and MNUFC seems to play to the level of their opponent, whether that is positive or negative.
“One hundred percent. We definitely are [playing to the level of our opponent]," said Anthony Markanich. "We're way better than this. We know we're better than this. I mean, just the belief, we just need more belief and more fight for 90 minutes. Just not enough fight out there.”
Wil Trapp didn't completely agree but didn't shoot down the thought, elaborating more, Trapp said;
“You can say that for sure. Generally speaking, it seems like a grabbable type of idea. But also, like I said, those moments you score, it doesn't matter who the opponent is, right? You concede goals, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. So, it's shoring up the mental side of being present in every single moment to compete as hard as you can.”
Anthony Markanich was very blunt in the clubs struggles to score with the midfielder saying, “It's just getting the first goal. If you get that first goal in the first half, it's just the game completely changes. Probably get four more. It's just getting that first goal that is the most important.”
