Lesson learned, if belatedly.
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath urged Ján Gregus to score more from distance his first time around with the team. On Sunday, the recently reacquired central midfielder needed a mere 15 minutes to score the eventual winning goal in a 2-0 victory at New York City FC.
Subbed into the game for injured attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane just before halftime, Gregus goal just after it — in the 53rd minute — stood up on a night both teams returned from their five-week break from MLS play for the Leagues Cup.
It was the Loons' sixth MLS road victory, four more than the two they've won at Allianz Field so far. The three points earned also moved them over the playoff line and into ninth place in the Western Conference.
They won on the road again despite losing Leagues Cup scoring sensation Hlongwane in the 39th minute because of a knee injury. They also subbed out star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso in the 68th minute after his training during the week was limited because of a swollen, painful ankle. Heath also didn't want to risk a second yellow card to go with the one Reynoso had acquired six minutes earlier.
Heath called Reynoso's removal "a precaution" with a big game against Seattle up next.
Before Sunday's game, Heath told the media and his players they need five victories — or maybe six — in the team's remaining 12 games to reach the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
"Six wins now on the road," Heath said afterward. "That's something we can be proud of. It gives us a good chance."