Minnesota United’s shift to a 3-5-2 formation spurred the team’s all-time best run of form in MLS last month, in part because of a renewed commitment to team defense and communication at the back. Now the Loons are looking to find that same form away from home as they embark on a five-game road trip that is crucial for their playoff hopes.
The base of Minnesota’s 3-5-2 defense is its three centerbacks, but when under pressure it shifts to a back five with a pair of end-to-end wingbacks coming back to defend the wide areas. As a result, MNUFC now has more players committed to defending, which defender Brent Kallman believes has made the back line tougher to break down.