Ahead of Sunday's match at Minnesota, SportingKC.com caught up Minnesota United FC broadcaster Callum Williams to preview #MINvSKC. Live coverage of the match begins at 12:30 on FS1, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports GO, 99.3 FM, and La Grande 1340 AM. Check out MatchDay Central for complete online coverage.
How would you assess the club’s first season in MLS heading into Sunday’s match?
I think the one thing that many people don't realize, is how quickly this team has been put together. Adrian Heath was only appointed late into 2016 and to be able to put a team of 22 plus players together in the space of three months and have instant success is asking a lot. There's been significant progress over the past few weeks after the players have had time to get to know one another. Consistency and time is what is needed for MNUFC.
Christian Ramirez leads Minnesota with five goals this season. What’s been the key to his success and what impact might me have on Sunday’s match?
The question coming into this season was, after 63 league goals in 4 years, could he step up to the MLS level. I think he answered that in fabulous fashion with a sumptuous strike against Portland barely minutes into his first MLS foray. He's been asked to do much more this year but the key thing is to give him service. He's the type of player that needs but half a sniff in front of goal to cause a real problem for defenders across the league.
How have the additions of veterans Marc Burch and Sam Cronin (via trade with Colorado) affected the team?
No doubt they have both added stability. Lots of questions were thrown towards the backline after the first few weeks of the season. Whilst certain individuals deserved the fingers that pointed in their direction, I wasn't convinced they had enough protection in front of them. Sam Cronin has added that and Marc Burch has given them the MLS experience many felt they lacked in the backline prior to his arrival.
What are your thoughts on Sporting KC’s season?
Once again Peter Vermes has continued the trend of conducting a show that is a joy to behold. Their football is so easy on the eye and often makes others drool in jealously. He's gotten the best out of several individuals once again. Espinoza holds fort whilst he allows Feilhaber to paint the picture. The new boy, Sanchez is the glue that keeps everything together though. From what I've seen, he has the tools to become an exceptional player. Many have already uttered the words, "best in the league", when talking of him in his position. With the performances he's given thus far, its hard to argue. Dwyer has been in sparkling form and its no co-incidence that he continues to thrive, even when service has lacked in a game or two. There seems to be an air of familiarity back in Kansas City. SKC are flying in the West, once again not needing to care about those who linger behind. They've been brilliant over the past few weeks and I'd expect them to be towards the upper echelons of MLS once again this season.
What will be looking forward to watching from Sunday’s match?
I think we'll see plenty of the ball out wide when both sides attack. As per usual I'd expect the SKC full backs to press high. Bar a tweak or two, the systems that SKC and MNUFC are that different. Thiesson and Burch will also press from full back positions for MNUFC but expect plenty of attacking flair from the wide midfielders from both. The number 10's will sit and patiently await their moment, whether thats a sly through ball or a late run into the box, they will have at least a glimpse throughout.
