Beyond the Box: Attacking in a Flexible 4-2-3-1 Formation

Lauded as one of the most balanced and flexible formations, the 4-2-3-1 has become a staple in modern soccer and with Adrian Heath’s Minnesota United.

After playing with a 4-3-3 in Minnesota’s disappointing 2-0 loss against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, Heath opted to change back to his favored 4-2-3-1 in his side’s crucial 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake. A return from injury for Darwin Quintero meant that the Colombian spearheaded a versatile attacking midfield trio alongside Robin Lod and Kevin Molino.

Although the Loons went down 1-0 to an Albert Rusnak goal in 17th minute, Quintero, Molino and Lod had their fingerprints all over a slew of dangerous Minnesotan chances in the first 45…