Minnesota United managed only two goals in four preseason games, with a scoreless finale against Charlotte FC in the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday in Indio, Calif.

The Loons’ attack has been less than full strength with attacking midfielder Emanuel Reynoso sidelined with a knee injury and winger Bongi Hlongwane in South Africa working on his U.S. green card. Teemu Pukki was away for a long stretch for paternity leave in Finland.

Pukki started Saturday’s match and, with other teammates, produced scoring chances in the friendly match but couldn’t finish them.

Reynoso and Hlongwane missed Sunday’s game and are at least questionable to play in the season opener at Austin FC next Saturday.

MNUFC went 1-2-1 against three MLS teams, including a group of reserves losing 4-0 to Chicago Fire on Wednesday and a 1-1 draw with CF Montreal on Jan. 27. The Loons’ only win came against Phoenix Rising, 2-1, on Feb. 10.

The Loons’ starting XI appeared to be their strongest available Saturday. In a 4-3-3 formation, the back line was left back Joseph Rosales, center backs Michael Boxall and Micky Tapias and right back D.J. Taylor; a midfield three of Robin Lod, Wil Trapp and Hassani Dotson; the front three was Franco Fragapane, Pukki and Sang Bin Jeong.

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