30 March 2024
Minnesota United’s unbeaten start to 2024 was almost salvaged by Bongi Hlongwane’s goal in the 83rd minute against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, but it was waived off for Tani Oluwaseyi being offside in the build up.
Less than two minutes later, the Union put the game away with Julian Carranza beating new substitute defender Victor Erikkson in behind for an insurance goal in a 2-0 win at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa.
Going into this weekend, both teams were on a short list of five remaining undefeated clubs in MLS, but Philadelphia (2-0-3, 9 points) removed MNUFC (3-1-1, 10 points) from that group.
The Loons trailed 1-0 after a 16th minute goal from Daniel Gazdag. A corner kick, gaining position in front of DJ Taylor at the back post, while Devin Padelford and others didn’t clear a bouncing ball at the near post.
“The disappointing thing is as good a side as (Philadelphia) are with the front players … you prepare to stop their typical threats,” head coach Eric Ramsay said. “Their goals we conceded weren’t classic goals in any way. That’s frustrating because I think it’s part of the fact that we weren’t at our best. We looked like we were lacking some energy. I do feel if we would have tightened up on what were pretty basic things then we wouldn’t have found ourselves in the position we were in.”
With starting center back Micky Tapias sidelined by a hamstring injury, Padelford, primarily a fullback, stepped in at center back over Eriksson. Eriksson appeared to be the next man up on the depth chart, but the Swede’s work visa delays kept him from having a proper preseason and he just made his Loons debut in the international friendly against St. Patrick’s Athletic on March 20.
Eriksson had subbed into the game for his MLS debut moments before he failed to clear a Philadelphia goal kick and Carranza was able outrun Eriksson and beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
“(Eriksson) had obviously had quite a particular set of circumstances up until this point that have prevented him from being active enough top play games,” Ramsay said Friday. “I still think he’s a while away from being completely match sharp, but he’s obviously physically he’s a real presence. He can handle the ball well. He’s very aggressive and eh’s really coachable. He’s someone that I’m sure will fit into the group eventually really well. When that moment comes, I will have full faith in him.”
Padelford primarily plays left fullback, but did play center back for MNUFC2 in 2022. He did not play centrally for the Loons developmental team in 2023, nor at all in MLS. It was a big test for the 21-year-old Maplewood man against a potent Philadelphia Union side on Saturday.
With Eriksson and Padelford having a hand in both goals conceded, it was clear MNUFC missed Tapias on Saturday. Tapias went through a fitness test on Friday, with Ramsay saying he was “50-50” to play but Tapias was ruled out Friday afternoon. Given that test, it’s believed Tapias will not be sidelined for long.