San Diego FC v Minnesota United: ´Undeniably the decisive game of the year´, says Ramsay

Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay has labelled their upcoming clash against San Diego FC as “the decisive game of the year”.

With just five regular-season matches to go, Minnesota trail Western Conference leaders San Diego by just five points heading into this match.

Both teams enter this game in similar form, each winning two of their last three matches and drawing the other, but San Diego are unbeaten in their previous six MLS fixtures.

Ramsay is relishing the chance to be part of a game that could also be decisive for the Supporters’ Shield, but was slightly frustrated that it comes after an international break.

“We always enjoy these weeks [international break] because you get to work with typically about 14 to 16 senior players, and I think the work is always really good and intense, and you get a feel of real progression there,” said Ramsay.

“But then you also get a chance to look at other players in a touch more detail, and obviously we’re integrating one or two of the new boys.

“It’s been good, but it’s not obviously without its frustrations because you’re leading into what is now just undeniably the decisive game of the year in terms of the Western Conference style and Supporters’ Shield standings.

“So it’s sort of a shame that it’s come in the build-up to this game in particular, but we’ve certainly made the most of it, and we’ve really enjoyed the time on the grass.”

The Battle for the West is here