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Loons’ underwhelming preseason ends in scoreless draw with Charlotte

andy greder, pioneer press
·1 min read

Minnesota United managed only three goals in four preseason games, with a scoreless finale against Charlotte FC in the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday in Indio, Calif.

The Loons’ attack has been less than full strength with attacking midfielder Emanuel Reynoso sidelined with a knee injury and winger Bongi Hlongwane in South Africa working on his U.S. green card. Striker Teemu Pukki was away for a long stretch for paternity leave in Finland.

Pukki started Saturday’s match and, with other teammates, produced scoring chances in the friendly match but couldn’t finish them.

Reynoso and Hlongwane missed Sunday’s game and are at least questionable to play in the season opener at Austin FC next Saturday.

Under interim head coach Cameron Knowles, MNUFC went 1-2-1 against three MLS teams, including a group of reserves losing 4-0 to Chicago Fire on Wednesday and a 1-1 draw with CF Montreal on Jan. 27. The Loons’ only win came against USL Championship side Phoenix Rising, 2-1, on Feb. 10.

The Loons’ starting XI appeared to be their strongest available Saturday. In a 4-3-3 formation, the back line was left back Joseph Rosales, center backs Michael Boxall and Micky Tapias and right back D.J. Taylor; a midfield three of Robin Lod, Wil Trapp and Hassani Dotson; the front three was Franco Fragapane, Pukki and Sang Bin Jeong. Dayne St. Clair was in net.

Reynoso and midfielder Kervin Arriaga are returning to training. There is no new expected arrival date for Hlongwane.

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