Playoff preview: Minnesota United prepare to take on LA Galaxy in conference semifinals
Fans hold up their scarves in celebration of the MN United victory after the Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake playoff game at Allianz Field in St. Paul on Nov. 2.
Shannon Rathmanner for MPR News
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Minnesota United are making a run in the playoffs, with a quest for the MLS Cup. This Sunday they’ll play the LA Galaxy in the conference semifinals. The playoffs weren’t guaranteed for the Loons and they came in as underdogs. But the team has now proven themselves as worthy contenders.
Joining the program with a playoff preview is Zarek Valentin, a recently retired Minnesota United player.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
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Audio transcript
[OASIS, "WONDERWALL"] Because maybe
You're going be the one that saves me
And after all
NINA MOINI: A throwback for you, Wonderwall by Oasis is a '90s classic. But for Minnesota United soccer fans, it's a rally cry after a win, so it's only fitting we play the song as a good luck gesture, as the Loons are making a run in the playoffs. This Sunday, they'll play the LA Galaxy in the conference semifinals. The playoffs, though, weren't guaranteed for the Loons, and they came in as pretty much underdogs. But they've now proven themselves as worthy contenders. I'm very excited about this. Joining me now with a player playoff preview is Zarek Valentin, who recently retired from Minnesota United as a player. Zarek, thanks for being here. Happy retirement, I guess.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, thank you very much for having me. I really appreciate it. And also make sure you donate to MPR. Come on now. You guys put on some incredible, incredible stuff. So make sure you get out and donate.
NINA MOINI: Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate that, Zarek. We're excited to talk about Minnesota United because we know that they haven't been around too long, but their fan base has just grown exponentially over the years. It's so exciting. But for people who maybe haven't been following the Loons this season-- maybe they're going to hop on the bandwagon.
ZAREK VALENTIN: We'll welcome anyone at this point.
NINA MOINI: Yeah. So give us a quick recap of just how we got here. It was kind of like a roller coaster season.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, a little bit. I would say you break up the season into thirds. We had a 34-game season. The first third of the season was the best start in franchise history. We came out to a roaring start and were pretty much atop the Western Conference and almost at the top of the league for the majority of it. And then we went through a little bit of a low period right in the middle of the season. We had some long international breaks. We had Leagues Cup break it up and brought in some new players and really revitalized our energy going into this final third, where we were statistically the top team towards the end of the season and came roaring into the playoffs. And now, we got past our first round match-up in Salt Lake, and now, we head off to the conference semifinals to play a one-off game in the LA Galaxy.
NINA MOINI: And tell us, if you would, what was it in the game against Salt Lake that put them over the edge?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Oh, man, it's hard to put that into words. If you weren't there, it was, in my opinion, one of the best environments I've ever been a part of. And I've been fortunate enough to play 14 years across a variety of different countries and different places. And for me, it was one of those special environments. And being from Pennsylvania and closer to the Philly area, I know something about a passionate fan base. But to have a fan base, to be dedicated in hot and cold, to come out and really give us that extra little push to get us over the hump against a really, really good Salt Lake team, ultimately, in penalty kicks, it was something to behold. So we have to go on the road to a difficult place to play with LA Galaxy, but we're excited about that.
NINA MOINI: Yeah, tell us about LA Galaxy. I feel like they're going to be tough competition.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, LA Galaxy, throughout the 34-game season, was pretty much on top of the Western Conference for the majority of it and just finished in second place. And they have an incredible front four, some really big star power and they create a lot, a lot of goals. But at the same time, they might open up a little bit in transition. So whenever we win the ball back, we might have some good opportunities to catch them on the break. So it should be a very exciting game for even just a neutral supporter watching the match.
NINA MOINI: So I understand the teams had three weeks between matches to refresh. And even though you're retired, I understand you're still working with the team. So how have they been preparing? Is three weeks an awkward amount of time? How do you fill that?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, three weeks is definitely a little bit awkward of a time. But I would say if anything, it was good to enjoy the high of the Salt Lake game, but ultimately kind of sprinkle in a little bit of the meat, I would say, for the LA Galaxy game. As someone who just retired and kind of a player coach at this point, you want to sprinkle in some habits that you want to essentially train, but not necessarily overload players in terms of information because it can be difficult to stay focused for pretty much what was a little bit over three weeks. And now that we got everyone back from international break and we're about five days-ish out, we can really hone in to some of the finer details against a really good LA Galaxy team.
NINA MOINI: If there's people who are just sort of new to soccer and wanting to watch the games, are there a few things that you want them to look out for when they're watching the game Sunday?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Well, first and foremost, bring good energy towards the Loons. Let's just say that, here in Minnesota. I would say first and foremost, there's a lot of really good players. One of the best players for LA Galaxy, the number 10, came from the Barcelona Academy. So that's a world-renowned academy. So he's someone to look out for. And I would just say, he might provide us with some difficulty, but ultimately, really just backing the Loons in terms of just our defensive structure.
I think you're going to see a little bit more of a calculated game played on our side, as opposed to some of these games turn into what might look like a basketball match at times, where it's end-to-end, wide open. I think our game is going to be a little bit more of a tactical match-up. So it should be an interesting chess match to say this weekend. But again, it should be a lot of fun to watch. It should be a lot of good chances created and hopefully more goals for the Loons than LA Galaxy.
NINA MOINI: Yeah, and I know you mentioned that the vibes can be really great at an away game. But this being an away game, do you consider it a disadvantage for the Loons?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Typically, you would probably say playing away from home is harder, but we actually were statistically one of the best teams away from home in the entire league.
NINA MOINI: Sure.
ZAREK VALENTIN: So for us, we are comfortable going away from home because our strategy doesn't necessarily change. A lot of times, teams feel the need to change at home because the fans might want them to play a little bit more open and create chances and to expose themselves. But thankfully, we're very tactically disciplined. So playing away from home doesn't necessarily provide those challenges. If anything, there's nothing better than quieting an entire stadium of 20,000 plus Galaxy fans. So hopefully, we can go out there and play a good match and really accomplish that.
NINA MOINI: So if they win Sunday, can you just explain what happens after, if they're able to make it to the finals?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Of course. Of course. Yeah, there's eight teams left. So we're in the Elite Eight. And it's the conference semifinals. So if we were to play another game, we would either play potentially away at LAFC or at Seattle. So we're not going to look too far ahead. But pretty much that would be the Final Four. And hopefully, we can go out and get a good result. And then we'd have to turn around in a week's time and go potentially do so again at another tough place, whether that's in Seattle or in LAFC. At this point, with these little amount of teams, every single game is going to be tough and propose its own challenges. But ultimately, we want to try to stay focused as much as we can on this very tough Galaxy match-up.
NINA MOINI: Zarek, before I let you go, I'm just curious. You said you've been in the game almost 15 years. How exciting has it been to watch the fan base grow for Minnesota United and just soccer in general?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Oh, it's been amazing. I came into the League almost about 15 years ago. And to see the influx of energy, the influx of money from different owners, the upgrade in facilities has been amazing. And when I came, when I signed for Portland, we played away at the University of Minnesota because Allianz Field was not built yet. And to see what arguably is, and in my opinion, the most beautiful stadium in the League here--
NINA MOINI: It's beautiful.
ZAREK VALENTIN: --in the Twin Cities, and the atmosphere and the rich Minnesota soccer history that comes with that, it's a perfect storm for a really, really incredible atmosphere. So kudos to everyone here involved in Minnesota United for building such a good first class organization. And we still have, obviously, ambitions to be one of the best teams in the league on and off the pitch. And it's just been a lot of fun to watch. And I feel really honored as a professional to call this place home.
NINA MOINI: Thank you so much for your time, Zarek. Good luck with everything.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
NINA MOINI: That was Zarek Valentin, recently retired Minnesota United player. The Loons take on the LA Galaxy on Sunday.
You're going be the one that saves me
And after all
NINA MOINI: A throwback for you, Wonderwall by Oasis is a '90s classic. But for Minnesota United soccer fans, it's a rally cry after a win, so it's only fitting we play the song as a good luck gesture, as the Loons are making a run in the playoffs. This Sunday, they'll play the LA Galaxy in the conference semifinals. The playoffs, though, weren't guaranteed for the Loons, and they came in as pretty much underdogs. But they've now proven themselves as worthy contenders. I'm very excited about this. Joining me now with a player playoff preview is Zarek Valentin, who recently retired from Minnesota United as a player. Zarek, thanks for being here. Happy retirement, I guess.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, thank you very much for having me. I really appreciate it. And also make sure you donate to MPR. Come on now. You guys put on some incredible, incredible stuff. So make sure you get out and donate.
NINA MOINI: Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate that, Zarek. We're excited to talk about Minnesota United because we know that they haven't been around too long, but their fan base has just grown exponentially over the years. It's so exciting. But for people who maybe haven't been following the Loons this season-- maybe they're going to hop on the bandwagon.
ZAREK VALENTIN: We'll welcome anyone at this point.
NINA MOINI: Yeah. So give us a quick recap of just how we got here. It was kind of like a roller coaster season.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, a little bit. I would say you break up the season into thirds. We had a 34-game season. The first third of the season was the best start in franchise history. We came out to a roaring start and were pretty much atop the Western Conference and almost at the top of the league for the majority of it. And then we went through a little bit of a low period right in the middle of the season. We had some long international breaks. We had Leagues Cup break it up and brought in some new players and really revitalized our energy going into this final third, where we were statistically the top team towards the end of the season and came roaring into the playoffs. And now, we got past our first round match-up in Salt Lake, and now, we head off to the conference semifinals to play a one-off game in the LA Galaxy.
NINA MOINI: And tell us, if you would, what was it in the game against Salt Lake that put them over the edge?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Oh, man, it's hard to put that into words. If you weren't there, it was, in my opinion, one of the best environments I've ever been a part of. And I've been fortunate enough to play 14 years across a variety of different countries and different places. And for me, it was one of those special environments. And being from Pennsylvania and closer to the Philly area, I know something about a passionate fan base. But to have a fan base, to be dedicated in hot and cold, to come out and really give us that extra little push to get us over the hump against a really, really good Salt Lake team, ultimately, in penalty kicks, it was something to behold. So we have to go on the road to a difficult place to play with LA Galaxy, but we're excited about that.
NINA MOINI: Yeah, tell us about LA Galaxy. I feel like they're going to be tough competition.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, LA Galaxy, throughout the 34-game season, was pretty much on top of the Western Conference for the majority of it and just finished in second place. And they have an incredible front four, some really big star power and they create a lot, a lot of goals. But at the same time, they might open up a little bit in transition. So whenever we win the ball back, we might have some good opportunities to catch them on the break. So it should be a very exciting game for even just a neutral supporter watching the match.
NINA MOINI: So I understand the teams had three weeks between matches to refresh. And even though you're retired, I understand you're still working with the team. So how have they been preparing? Is three weeks an awkward amount of time? How do you fill that?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Yeah, three weeks is definitely a little bit awkward of a time. But I would say if anything, it was good to enjoy the high of the Salt Lake game, but ultimately kind of sprinkle in a little bit of the meat, I would say, for the LA Galaxy game. As someone who just retired and kind of a player coach at this point, you want to sprinkle in some habits that you want to essentially train, but not necessarily overload players in terms of information because it can be difficult to stay focused for pretty much what was a little bit over three weeks. And now that we got everyone back from international break and we're about five days-ish out, we can really hone in to some of the finer details against a really good LA Galaxy team.
NINA MOINI: If there's people who are just sort of new to soccer and wanting to watch the games, are there a few things that you want them to look out for when they're watching the game Sunday?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Well, first and foremost, bring good energy towards the Loons. Let's just say that, here in Minnesota. I would say first and foremost, there's a lot of really good players. One of the best players for LA Galaxy, the number 10, came from the Barcelona Academy. So that's a world-renowned academy. So he's someone to look out for. And I would just say, he might provide us with some difficulty, but ultimately, really just backing the Loons in terms of just our defensive structure.
I think you're going to see a little bit more of a calculated game played on our side, as opposed to some of these games turn into what might look like a basketball match at times, where it's end-to-end, wide open. I think our game is going to be a little bit more of a tactical match-up. So it should be an interesting chess match to say this weekend. But again, it should be a lot of fun to watch. It should be a lot of good chances created and hopefully more goals for the Loons than LA Galaxy.
NINA MOINI: Yeah, and I know you mentioned that the vibes can be really great at an away game. But this being an away game, do you consider it a disadvantage for the Loons?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Typically, you would probably say playing away from home is harder, but we actually were statistically one of the best teams away from home in the entire league.
NINA MOINI: Sure.
ZAREK VALENTIN: So for us, we are comfortable going away from home because our strategy doesn't necessarily change. A lot of times, teams feel the need to change at home because the fans might want them to play a little bit more open and create chances and to expose themselves. But thankfully, we're very tactically disciplined. So playing away from home doesn't necessarily provide those challenges. If anything, there's nothing better than quieting an entire stadium of 20,000 plus Galaxy fans. So hopefully, we can go out there and play a good match and really accomplish that.
NINA MOINI: So if they win Sunday, can you just explain what happens after, if they're able to make it to the finals?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Of course. Of course. Yeah, there's eight teams left. So we're in the Elite Eight. And it's the conference semifinals. So if we were to play another game, we would either play potentially away at LAFC or at Seattle. So we're not going to look too far ahead. But pretty much that would be the Final Four. And hopefully, we can go out and get a good result. And then we'd have to turn around in a week's time and go potentially do so again at another tough place, whether that's in Seattle or in LAFC. At this point, with these little amount of teams, every single game is going to be tough and propose its own challenges. But ultimately, we want to try to stay focused as much as we can on this very tough Galaxy match-up.
NINA MOINI: Zarek, before I let you go, I'm just curious. You said you've been in the game almost 15 years. How exciting has it been to watch the fan base grow for Minnesota United and just soccer in general?
ZAREK VALENTIN: Oh, it's been amazing. I came into the League almost about 15 years ago. And to see the influx of energy, the influx of money from different owners, the upgrade in facilities has been amazing. And when I came, when I signed for Portland, we played away at the University of Minnesota because Allianz Field was not built yet. And to see what arguably is, and in my opinion, the most beautiful stadium in the League here--
NINA MOINI: It's beautiful.
ZAREK VALENTIN: --in the Twin Cities, and the atmosphere and the rich Minnesota soccer history that comes with that, it's a perfect storm for a really, really incredible atmosphere. So kudos to everyone here involved in Minnesota United for building such a good first class organization. And we still have, obviously, ambitions to be one of the best teams in the league on and off the pitch. And it's just been a lot of fun to watch. And I feel really honored as a professional to call this place home.
NINA MOINI: Thank you so much for your time, Zarek. Good luck with everything.
ZAREK VALENTIN: Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
NINA MOINI: That was Zarek Valentin, recently retired Minnesota United player. The Loons take on the LA Galaxy on Sunday.
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