RSL vs. Minnesota United: Three winners, three losers

Loser: Zac MacMath

This was Zac MacMath in 2020 all over again. It wasn’t good enough from the MLS veteran, and his conceded goal was entirely of his making. Minnesota United had just one shot on goal, and that was all it took to put RSL into a position of having dropped points at home for a third consecutive match.

It’s not good enough from anyone at the organization, excuses be damned.

Winner: Damir Kreilach

This guy scores goals for fun. He had one great opportunity, and he didn’t hesitate in finishing to put RSL in the lead. Kreilach will have his name in the rafters of this stadium some day.

Winner: Justin Meram

It has been rare that we see a player come on and make even a lick of difference for RSL, but Meram forced two saves from Minnesota United goalkeeper Tyler Miller late in the match. He is the only player to have forced a save after the first quarter of the match.

Loser: Pablo Ruiz

I didn’t think it was a particularly strong performance from Ruiz, who misplaced important passes in important moments. He can be a differentiator for this team, but when the game’s not going through the midfield, he’s essentially a conduit. I actually think he’s more error-prone in that role, and he shines most when we play through him.

Winner: Albert Rusnak

I have been hard on Rusnak throughout the season. He had a pretty good match tonight, when it’s all said and done. (Off the Crossbar co-host Trevor Brady made sure I thought about this, and the more I think about it, the more I think Trevor’s right.) He created opportunities, he was in good positions, and he showed a bit of magic.

Of course, he’s now off to international duty, presumably, so the timing for him finding any form is decidedly not great.

Loser: All of the defense. All of it.

How many times do we need to concede a late goal? I would hope that the answer is “zero times” but apparently it is up to at least three times, if not more. I want this team to be better, and I’m sure that’s what they want, too. But it sure doesn’t look like that’s something set to happen any time soon.

(Yes, this includes Aaron Herrera and Andrew Brody, both of whom had pretty good games, and it also includes Nick Besler and probably Pablo Ruiz.)