On the heels of a 4-1 thumping in Kansas City, it was clear that something needed to give in Minnesota United’s approach.



As had been the case for most of the team’s first MLS season and a half, Adrian Heath lined his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It was the customary game plan for the coach since long before he joined the Loons, and was the framework for the system that became closely attributed to him. However, Minnesota’s lack of a No. 6 left the two-man midfield of Rasmus Schüller and Ibson terribly vulnerable to opposing playmakers. As the team headed into a two-week World Cup break before a U.S. Open Cup match against FC Cincinnati, it was time to work a new brand of football into their identity.



For much of the ensuing 10 weeks, the Loons have taken to the field in a 3-5-2 formation. The idea behind this was to provide additional presence to the center of the park — an area where opponents were regularly feasting. Collen...