Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath liked what he saw when he looked around the dressing room before the Loons’ 4-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.

Christian Ramirez recalled Heath’s message as: “It’s nice to see all these faces back here.”

The Loons were without 12 players last week because of international call-ups and a slew of injuries. They welcomed back defenders Francisco Calvo and Jermaine Taylor from international duty in the Gold Cup and had midfielders Sam Cronin back from a neck injury and Abu Danladi fit.

United had a 11-versus-11 scrimmage during Wednesday’s training session, something the Loons haven’t had in two months, Heath estimated. They had a full seven-man bench and had six players training or rehabbing before Saturday’s match, a relative luxury compared to the lack of players in recent weeks. Related Articles Loons’ Adrian Heath, Kei Kamara believe they can strike simpatico partnership

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With center back Michael Boxall able to fill in for Brent Kallman, who was out for yellow-card accumulation, and Sam Nicholson on the wing, the Loons are beginning to have the depth that Heath has sought during the summer transfer window.

When Ramirez exited in the first half and Nicholson was subbed off in the second, Miguel Ibarra came into the game and Danladi moved up top.

“We didn’t sort of miss a beat, which is the situation that you want,” Heath said.

In what’s becoming a mantra, Heath said he remains focused on bringing in one or two other players before the transfer window closes Aug. 9. That would add to the depth even more.

RAMIREZ’S TWEAK

After Ramirez scored and left with a tweaked left hamstring in the first half, Heath said, “We don’t think it’s too bad.’

Heath told Ramirez: “If this means coming off (Saturday) and being ready for next week, that’s better than trying to work through it and it’s five or six weeks because we can ill afford him to go down.”

Ramirez said he could have kept playing but also wants to be in the lineup Saturday against Seattle. “We played it safe, especially with my folks coming in next week,” he said.

CRONIN EYES 300

United midifielder Sam Cronin made his 250th MLS appearance in Saturday’s 4-0 win, but he’s eying No. 300 as a more exclusive club.

If Cronin stays healthy, the player Minnesota acquired from Colorado on March 31 could reach that milestone in two seasons.