On Sunday, the Loons (12-6-8) controlled 60.2% of the possession — a heavy share for a side that typically excels in off-the-ball movement. Against Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, Minnesota United also had an uncharacteristically high possession percentage of 60.9%.
Both contests ended in losses.
“We’re evolving as a team that wants to have a little bit more of the ball, but with that comes more transition moments,” Trapp said. “I think, you look at [today] — both their goals came from transition moments. The next step for us is understanding: If we want to start doing this, we have to understand what the other side of it is.”
After falling behind by two goals Sunday, the Loons were able to find an answer — a goal from Oluwaseyi in the 73rd minute — but no equalizer.
Two minutes after Oluwaseyi’s goal, Trapp’s right-footed shot missed. Two corners — in the 75th and 78th minute — came and went. Oluwaseyi attacked in the 80th minute, finding an opening, but booted the ball sky-high. An attempt from Joaquín Pereyra in the 82nd minute also ended in frustration after he was blocked. The Argentine tried again with the left foot a few minutes later — farther out this time — and was deflected.
Similarly, Minnesota United peppered shots in the first half — ten shot attempts, with four on goal — despite the Rapids’ intent to slow the side down. MNUFC drew three corner kicks during that stretch, to no avail.