Here is my gamer and notebook from Minnesota United's 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.
And now for a bit more on United's 22,649 lower-bowl sellout crowd that was the third-consecutive crowd to break 20,000 for the Loons. This was also the largest crowd since the home opener March 12, when United opened the upper decks for sale, that drew 35,043.
"Well, I think that we're relevant in the city, which is something that we wanted to be," United coach Adrian Heath said of what this sellout mark means. "I think it's a testament about how the game is growing. I think it's a testament of what we're trying to achieve here. And the crowd has been great. They can see the guys are trying. At times, we've been short of quality. That's pretty evident.
"I thought the supporters were magnificent," Heath said. "Never stopped. Kept going toward the end. I think they can see that we're working on it. We're trying. It's not an easy first season. I know what it's like. I've been through it, and it's difficult sometimes to maintain your enthusiasm and keep upbeat when you're getting beat like you've done today."
Rookie forward Abu Danladi said he's noticed the increase in fans throughout the season.
"They deserve better results," Danladi said. "They come, and they cheer for us when we lose and when we win. They deserve better, and we're going to try and come back strong and give them what they deserve. I really appreciate them coming and supporting us because it's hard when a team's losing and having to stick with the team. Our whole fan base is just incredible. They're awesome. I'm happy to play on this team and just have these people around the team as well."
Midfielder Sam Cronin had similar praise for the crowd.
"The energy tonight was great from the very beginning," Cronin said. "I mean, more than we deserved, if I'm being totally honest. They deserve huge respect and kudos on behalf of all the players. and we appreciate it so much. Obviously, we go and lose four-nil and go applaud them at the end of the game, and they give us an applause. That doesn't happen in a lot of places. If anything, we need to make sure to repay their support of us because it's nothing short of brilliant."
Rewatch my Facebook Live below (or click here), What a strange thumbnail, yet again. Also, here is a video from Heath's postmatch presser.
