Minnesota United’s match against Nashville SC on Saturday portended to more difficult on Friday afternoon.
That’s when head coach Cameron Knowles shared captain center back Michael Boxall would be out with an adductor injury, and Nashville’s dynamic attack posed a bigger challenge to Minnesota without its New Zealand veteran on the back line.
A Cristian Espinoza goal sandwiched between two goals from Sam Surridge led to Nashville cruising in a 3-1 win at Geodis Park.
Minnesota (1-1-1, 4 points) suffered its first loss of the season, while Nashville (2-0-1, 7 points) remained unbeaten.
“Obviously you’re missing (Boxall, who) has tremendous experience and steady leadership and (is) an elite performer,” Knowles told reporters in a video call postgame. “He hasn’t missed a game in, I don’t know how long, in terms of being withheld though injury.
“It is an opportunity for guys to step up. On the whole, I don’t think you can pin it on just missing Boxy. I think collectively, our team’s defending was not up to the standard that we’ve seen so far this season.”
Minnesota was able to produce a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati last weekend, but it wasn’t air tight in the season opener, conceding two goals in a 2-2 draw with Austin on Feb. 21.
The Loons started Devin Padelford in Boxall’s spot next to Morris Duggan on the backline, with the same full backs in Anthony Markanich and Jefferson Diaz in front of goalkeeper Drake Callender from the Cincinnati win.
“We just made some simple mistakes against a very good team, and when that happens, you get punished,” Knowles said.
Loons midfielder Nectar Triantis’ stunning strike from 35 yards out was the only bright spot for Minnesota. It cut Nashville’s lead to 2-1 in the 35th minute.
“It was an absolute screamer,” Knowles said.
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