Minnesota United v FC Cincinnati: Consistency the key for playoffs, says Noonan

Inconsistency hinders Loons in FC Cincinnati draw

Minnesota United missed the chance to move top of the Western Conference after a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against playoff rivals FC Cincinnati.

The Loons remain fourth, a point behind leaders Seattle Sounders and level with FC Dallas who play Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday.

Emanuel Reynoso put United ahead 10 minutes into the second half, but Brandon Vazquez equalised 15 minutes later to earn Cincinnati a share of the spoils.

Noonan demands consistency after frustrating draw

Head coach Adrian Heath was disappointed with Minnesota’s performance, particularly their failure to defend Vazquez’s goal.

He said: “We had a really good first half, moved the ball well and created a lot of chances.

But we can’t afford to give away cheap goals like we did for their equaliser. When you do that against a good team, you’re going to get punished.

We need to be more consistent in both defence and attack. We can’t afford to have these lapses in concentration if we want to make the playoffs.

Loons have tough run-in to the playoffs

Minnesota’s next three games are against teams currently in the top six of the Western Conference.

They face San Jose Earthquakes at home next weekend, before traveling to Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC.

If the Loons can pick up some positive results in those games, they will be in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs.

Vazquez continues to impress for Cincinnati

Brandon Vazquez has now scored 11 goals in 18 appearances for FC Cincinnati this season.

The 24-year-old is one of the most in-form strikers in MLS and has helped Cincinnati move up to eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Vazquez will be hoping to continue his good form when Cincinnati host Chicago Fire on Saturday.