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Season Outlook | Minnesota United

Minnesota United's improved squad from a season ago puts them in a strong position to capture the silverware that eluded them a year ago
Apr 1, 2015

Photo Credit: Minnesota United

Venue: National Sports Center

Coach: Manny Lagos (fifth year)

Last Season’s Finish: 1st – Combined Standings, The Championship Semifinals

Key Players: F Christian Ramirez/ M Miguel Ibarra, GK Sammy N’Djock

Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra seemingly do almost everything together – and on the pitch they both had breakout seasons in 2014. Ramirez earned the Golden Boot with his 20-goal season, while Ibarra took Golden Ball honors. The pair should be as dynamic as ever despite growing expectations on their shoulders. With several new teammates that should help shoulder the load, both players should have a strong follow up season. Ramirez should once again be near the top of the goalscoring charts and Ibarra will certainly be in contention for the league’s MVP award if he continues on his upward trajectory.

The one question that remains for Minnesota United is at the goalkeeping position. Most likely Sammy N’Djock will get the starting nod. While bringing tons of potential, the Cameroonian National Team ‘keeper has yet to nail down a first team place in his previous stops. While there is no question of his ability – he was a member of Cameroon’s 2014 World Cup squad – N’Djock will need to cut out some of the mistakes he made during the preseason. With a strong squad in front of him, equally strong goalkeeping will be the key to the Loons’ success in 2015.

What They’re Saying: "We hope to create competition in a positive way that gets everybody excited about contributing and gets the group focused on being successful. As a coach I embrace that challenge and I think the players will as well." – Manny Lagos   

"When we cross the white lines to play, it’s all about winning no matter who gets the credit on the goals or assists. We just want to win." – Christian Ramirez

Season Outlook: Minnesota United had the best overall record in 2014 and were seconds from claiming a Fall Season Championship to go along with the silverware they claimed during the first portion of the split-season format. Ultimately the club fell short of their goal of lifting the Soccer Bowl trophy, losing out to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in The Championship Semifinals. Heading into the 2015 season, the club added to their strong core. Brazilian Ibson brings his experience in top club competitions while Kalif Alhassan, Jonny Steele, and J.C. Banks all bolster the club’s attacking prowess. If the defense can remain as strong as they were a season ago, only allowing 28 goals overall, and Sammy N’Djock can play to his potential, there is no question that the Loons will be fighting for a title at the conclusion of the 2015 season. 

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