Back on track, Loons set to play three of four at Allianz

Minnesota United bounced back from a 7-game unbeaten streak ending loss to Colorado with a solid 2-1 in Nashville last weekend that has them perched third in the Western Conference standings – based on points earned per game.

A potentially season-defining run lies ahead. The Loons host Austin this weekend to start a run playing three out of four at home – with three of the four against teams they’re battling for positioning in the standings.

Click the video box on this page to watch Michael Boxall and manager Adrian Heath discuss the Loons win at Nashville and where the team stands as they head down the homestretch of the season

After hosting 2nd-placed Austin this weekend, struggling Houston (12th place) comes to town. A two-game week follows – a road trip to face 5th-placed Salt Lake, then back home against 4th-placed Dallas.

United should see a boost against Austin with the potential return of Wil Trapp from injury, and potential additional playing time from recently-acquired Jonathan Gonzalez.

Goalie Dayne St. Clair also appears to be in fine form after a pair of four-goal games. Coming off his MVP-performance at the MLS All-Star Game, he earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Week thanks to his seven-save effort in the 2-1 win over Nashville.

It’s a 7:00 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Allianz Field against Austin.