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Jerry Zgoda

Reporter | Minnesota United FC
Phone: 612-673-7197

Jerry Zgoda covers Minnesota United FC and Major League Soccer for the Star Tribune.


Zgoda has been a Star Tribune sportswriter so long, his first beat directly out of college was covering the North Stars. In nearly 30 years, he has covered the NHL, the Wolves and the NBA twice (he missed the first Kevin Garnett era, which says something about his sense of timing), Gophers and NCAA athletics, the radio/TV beat, major-championship golf and outdoor recreation.
Recent content from Jerry Zgoda
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Olivera, right, dribbles the ball as Loons defender Michael Boxall defends during the first half Saturday night at All

Ramsay makes debut, celebrates his 'Wonderwall' moment

Newly hired Eric Ramsay had a successful coaching debut with the Loons, who are undefeated through four games.
Minnesota United coach Eric Ramsay, left, and chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad are both multilingual.

Multilingual Ramsay connects with new Loons team in their own words

Eric Ramsay can speak English, French and Spanish and he's conversant in a few more. It's helped the new Loons coach get off to a quick start in team bonding.
Eric Ramsay, left, is introduced as the new head coach of Minnesota United FC alongside chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad at Allianz Field on Wedne

Stars aligned for Ramsay to become new Loons coach

Eric Ramsay said he spent the time between being hired and meeting the players learning everything he could about Minnesota United.
Cameron Knowles, middle, has earned a full-time position on the Loons' coaching staff.

Minnesota United keeps Knowles as assistant coach under Ramsay

After starting the season 2-0-1 with Cameron Knowles as interim coach, the Loons rewarded him Monday with an assistant position on new coach Eric Ramsay's staff.
The Loons' Bongokuhle Hlongwane leaps on Teemu Pukki to celebrate during a game last season. Each scored Saturday night in Orlando.

Loons top Orlando 3-2 with Hlongwane's stoppage-time goal

Making his season debut, Bongokuhle Hlongwane entered as a substitute and sent the Loons home winners with a goal in the 96th minute.
Wolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots from between Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, left, center Jarrett Allen (31) and forward Isaac Okoro during the f

Wolves get to overtime vs. Cavs but come up short in 113-104 loss

Rudy Gobert's technical foul in the final minute proved costly, as it gave Cleveland a trip to the free-throw line to tie the score.
Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso is expected to play Saturday in Dallas

Minnesota United's Emanuel Reynoso to miss third game in a row to start season

Loons interim coach Cameron Knowles said the star midfielder won't play at Orlando on Saturday but should be back next week.
Cretin-Derham Hall's Owen Nelson, with the goalie mask that reflects his culture.

Goalie wears his heart — and his culture — on his head

Cretin-Derham Hall's Owen Nelson honors his grandparents, Vietnamese refugees who made a life in America, with his artwork.
Chanhassen fans celebrate the team’s second goal in the second period against Rochester Century/John Marshall of Thursday's first Class 2A quarterfi

State Tourney Insiders: Sights and sounds from Class 2A quarterfinals

Cretin-Derham Hall goalie Owen Nelson wears his heart on his head, and it's the last call for a legend in the broadcast booth.
The puck took flight in front of Mahtomedi forward Tommy Lewin, left, during the final game of Wednesday's Class 1A quarterfinals.

Minnesota boys hockey state tournament: Class 1A quarterfinals roundup

There were three one-sided games and a thriller in the nightcap of Class 1A. Tap here for all of our coverage from the X.
Bobby Sansone, flanked by other Orono supporters, celebrates a first-period goal against Mahtomedi on Wednesday. That was before matters deteriorated

Behind the scenes at the boys hockey state tournament

Sights and sounds from the Xcel Energy Center include Warroad honoring Henry Boucha and a player tip on how you can use pickles to keep the energy up in overtime.
The U.S. Women's National Team is coming back to Allianz Field to play Korea Republic, a rematch of their friendly from 2021.

USWNT to play Korea Republic at Allianz Field on June 4

This will be the third trip to Minnesota for the U.S. Women's National soccer team, and the first to feature their new head coach Emma Hayes.
Kyle Anderson's playmaking skills were on display Monday night at Target Center.

Back from knee issue, 'playmaker' Anderson finds his groove

Kyle Anderson now has three assists or more in 11 consecutive games, the longest streak in his pro career, and has been making an increased impact.
Rudy Gobert of the Timberwolves fights with Moses Brown of the Trail Blazers for a rebound in the second quarter.

Gobert's nearly perfect game boosts out-of-synch Wolves past Portland

The Timberwolves defensive star missed one shot, hit all his free throws and led the team in almost every statistical category on a night where his teammates looked out of sorts.
Minnesota United midfielder Tani Oluwaseyi (14) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the tying goal in stoppage time against the Columbus Crew.

'God be with the ball.' Stoppage time goal gives Loons a draw

Tani Oluwaseyi's whirling shot in the 94th minute of Minnesota United's home opener pushed the Loons to a 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Christian Ramirez lifted his first MLS Cup trophy with the Columbus Crew in December. Ramirez played five seasons in Minnesota.

Minnesota United vs. Columbus preview: Home opener features MLS Cup champs

It's set to be a mix of new and old at Allianz Field, with former Minnesota United mainstay Christian Ramirez playing for the Crew and young Loons eyeing more playing time.
Veteran midfielder Wil Trapp hugs Minnesota United teammate Alejandro Bran after Bran's goal secured the win in his MLS debut vs. Austin.

Youngest Loons firmly in the mix for Saturday's home opener

The Loons return to Allianz Field to play defending champs Columbus after getting key late-game production from four up-and-comers at Austin.
Minnesota United sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad makes his first media appearance Thursday to discuss the future of the Loons.

Loons' new soccer boss discusses Ramsay hiring and more

In Khaled El-Ahmad's first media availability since joining the Loons, the sporting director laid out his vision for the team's tactics, youth movement and ... Olive Garden?
Minnesota United forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane had a breakout season last year.

Loons' Reynoso, Hlongwane doubtful for home opener vs. Columbus

The Loons will face defending MLS champion Columbus on Saturday at Allianz Field without Bongokuhle Hlongwane and likely without Emanuel Reynoso.
Austin FC midfielder Ethan Finlay and Loons midfielder Joseph Rosales fought for control of the ball during Saturday's match at Q2 stadium in Austin,

Loons open MLS season with thrilling 2-1 victory in Austin

The Loons, playing without a permanent head coach, dominated the first half, then held on fiercely at the end.
Minnesota United interim coach Cameron Knowles will stay in his role until new head coach Eric Ramsay is settled.

Loons begin new season Saturday after big changes at the top

New sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad hired Eric Ramsay as head coach, but interim coach Cameron Knowles will lead the team in the opener at Austin.
Minnesota United's Teemu Pukki went on a goal-scoring spree late last season, including four in one game.

Five Minnesota United players to watch in 2024

The Loons have a mix of young and old looking to bounce back from last year's 10-13-11 finish, along with some new faces.
Minnesota United fans have been waiting for the team to hire a new coach to replace Adrian Heath.

New Loons coach Ramsay signs contract, making his hiring official

After firing Adrian Heath late last season, the Loons replaced him with Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay.
Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso changes the complexion of the team's offense when he's on the field.

Injured Reynoso to miss Minnesota United's season opener Saturday

The Loons open their season without their best player after a knee injury kept him out of preseason friendlies.
Minnesota United fans celebrated a win against the Los Angeles Galaxy last Oct. 7 at Allianz Field.

Ten things to know about Minnesota United's leading coaching candidate

Eric Ramsay, an assistant coach for Manchester United, is a former pro soccer player from Wales who has worked his way through the coaching ranks.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) battled Newell's Old Boys midfielder Julian Fernandez, left, in a friendly Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Five MLS story lines: Messi's return, Columbus Crew's title defense, etc.

The new MLS season kicks off Wednesday, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami facing Real Salt Lake. Minnesota United opens Saturday.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ 51-game calf injury sidetracked the Towns-Rudy Gobert big-man experiment before it really started last season. This season, the

Can Wolves win West? Three reasons why, and why not

The team leads the Western Conference standings at the All-Star break.
A new coach will listen to Loons fans sing in St. Paul later this spring.

Minnesota United expected to hire youngest coach in MLS

The Loons have targeted Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay, 32, to become the second head coach in its history, according to multiple media reports in the U.S. and England.
PWHL Minnesota's Kendall Coyne (26) has three goals and two assists through 10 games.

PWHL Minnesota heads to Ottawa without No. 1 pick Taylor Heise

Jerry Zgoda's breakdown: Taylor Heise, the PWHL's No. 1 overall draft pick, is recovering from an upper-body injury, so another challenge awaits Minnesota.
Minnesota Aurora played Rochester FC in last season's opener on May 24, 2023.

Minnesota Aurora announces their new regular season schedule

The Aurora went undefeated in regular season play for their first two seasons and open a new campaign on the road, May 23.
Minnesota defender Maggie Flaherty (19)  celebrates her third period goal against Ottawa.

Former U star Boreen makes case to stick on team in PWHL Minnesota win

Abby Boreen has scored twice in five games, including Wednesday's 2-1 win over Ottawa. But is there a spot for her in the long term?
Gabbie Hughes (36) will be back in Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday, this time playing for PWHL Ottawa instead of the United States.

PWHL Minnesota missing a piece, wielding new one vs. Ottawa

The team will play Wednesday without Taylor Heise but will have Sophie Jaques, just acquired by trade.
Sophie Jaques (18) joined Boston goaltender Emma Soderberg to take on Toronto's Blayre Turnbull during a PWHL game in January.

PWHL's first trade brings Minnesota a star and reveals a reality

The new league comes with all the trappings of professional sports as lives are uprooted purely for business reasons.
Team Canada’s Natalie Spooner (24), left, celebrated her first-period goal against the United States at Xcel Energy Center.

U.S. women's hockey team falls 6-1 to Canada, loses Rivalry Series

Canada completed its huge comeback in the Rivalry Series with a 6-1 victory in Game 7 at Xcel Energy Center.
Canada's Natalie Spooner, left, Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse (20) celebrated a third period goal against the U.S. on Friday in Regina, Saskat

St. Paul hosts Sunday's Game 7 of U.S.-Canada Rivalry Series

Canada is riding a three-game win streak, setting up a deciding game in St. Paul featuring many of the world's best women's hockey players.
Monte Morris joins the Wolves from the Pistons.

Monte Morris gives Wolves backcourt depth

The point guard came over in a trade from Detroit, one of the NBA's worst teams.
Caden Clark talks to the media after Minnesota United practice recently.

A long road home: New Loons player returns seeking MLS stardom

Caden Clark, 20, left Medina six years ago to chase his soccer dreams — a journey that has seen him shuttle from the United States to Europe and now to a spot on Minnesota United's roster.
Downtown St. Paul showed behind her as Kendall Coyne Schofield stood for a portrait after practice at Tria Rink last week.

Pioneer-to-pioneer connection: The PWHL call that started it all

Minnesota star Kendall Coyne Schofield telephoned tennis legend and gender-equality advocate Billie Jean King in 2019, setting in motion the creation of a legitimate professional women's hockey league.
Minnesota goalie Nicole Hensley has started the team's past two games.

PWHL Minnesota at Boston preview: One game, six Patty Kazmaier winners

Jerry Zgoda's breakdown: Minnesota PWHL returns to Boston, site of the season opener, looking to climb back into first place.
Loons interim head coach Cameron Knowles instructed players during preseason training last week in Blaine.

Loons' preseason roster slowly taking shape in Tucson

Emanuel Reynoso has joined teammates for preseason training in Arizona, while others are a few steps away.
Minnesota forward Kendall Coyne Schofield (26) battled in front of the Montreal net Wednesday night at Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota lost 2-1 in the P

PWHL Minnesota falls to Montreal, suffers first regulation defeat

Minnesota had a big shot advantage (46-26) on Wednesday night at Xcel Energy Center but lost when Montreal scored a third-period goal.
Emanuel Reynoso (10) is ready to join Minnesota United for preseason training.

Reynoso arrives in Minnesota, will join Loons for Arizona training

The star midfielder, who had a long absence ahead of the 2023 season, missed last week's preseason workouts.
Minnesota United’s interim head coach Cameron Knowles instructed players during practice Tuesday at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

A Loons team in transition opens camp without Reynoso again

Emanuel Reynoso hasn't reported for the Loons' first two days of training in Blaine. Interim coach Cameron Knowles said, "We focus on the players who are here."

Gobert's finishing touch keeps Wolves atop Western Conference

Rudy Gobert made some big free throws when it counted to enable the Wolves to hang on for a 109-105 victory over a star-studded Clippers team.

Timberwolves edge Clippers 109-105 to stay atop Western Conference

Rudy Gobert made some big free throws when it counted to enable the Wolves to hang on for a 109-105 victory over a star-studded Clippers team.
Minnesota United fans celebrate after the Loons won 5-2. The Minnesota United FC Loons hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy at Allianz Field on Saturday, Oct

Loons to host St. Patrick's Athletic in international friendly

The friendly will fall during the March international break, four games into Minnesota United's MLS season.
Minnesota United went 10-13-11 in MLS play last season.

Minnesota United changes interim coaches one week before camp

The Loons are still searching for a new head coach to replace fired Adrian Heath. Interim coach Sean McAuley left to pursue other opportunities and is being replaced by MNUFC2 coach Cameron Knowles.

How will Timberwolves respond to first losing streak of the season?

Chris Finch could feel it coming. Mike Conley said it's part of the game. But, for the first time this season, the Wolves are on a losing streak.

Adversity mounts for Wolves after Pelicans run them out of Target Center

The Timberwolves lost a second straight game for this first time this season, falling 117-106 to the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Timberwolves lose 117-106 to Pelicans and are on a skid for first time this season

The Timberwolves lost a second straight game for this first time this season, falling 117-106 to the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Warroad, Minn., native Gigi Marvin celebrated after the U.S. won Olympic gold in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 22, 2018. Marvin plays for Boston�

Minnesota at Boston PWHL game preview: Olympians dot both rosters

Jerry Zgoda's analysis: Minnesota and Boston's PWHL franchises will unveil star-powered rosters when they meet Wednesday night at Tsongas Center.
Newly named PWHL Minnesota head coach Ken Klee talked with his players during practice at the Tria Rink in St. Paul.

Minnesota's new PWHL franchise ready for new women's hockey era

Former U.S. women's national hockey team coach Ken Klee took the call to come be Minnesota's coach and was there the next morning, preparing for Wednesday's opener.
A Bally Sports reporter waits for an interview after a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in St.

Bally Sports North will televise all 24 PWHL Minnesota games

Minnesota's season begins Wednesday at Boston and their deal with Bally Sports North is part of the PWHL's quest to carry all 72 games on linear television or streaming platforms.
Newly named PWHL Minnesota head coach Ken Klee went over a drill with his players during Thursday’s practice at Tria Rink in St. Paul.

Six things to know about the new Professional Women's Hockey League

The new PWHL launches New Year's Day, when the New York team plays at Toronto. Minnesota's franchise opens Wednesday at Boston.
Ken Klee took over as PWHL Minnesota’s coach on Wednesday, leading the team through practice at Tria Rink.

Minnesota's PWHL team names Klee as new coach, replacing Burggraf

Charlie Burggraf stepped down as the Minnesota team's first coach, explaining that this is what's best for his family right now.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) started a fast break as teammate Rudy Gobert, right, and Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) pursued in the fir

Big finish by Wolves heads off late Kings rally; Edwards scores 34

Sacramento made two strong comeback tries in the second half, but the Timberwolves held them off with key defensive plays and clutch baskets.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, center, works toward the basket as Los Angeles Lakers forwards Anthony Davis (3) and Cam Reddish (5) def

Edwards, Timberwolves persevere to topple LeBron-less Lakers 118-111

Anthony Edwards scored 27 points and had seven rebounds and five assists to spark Minnesota past Los Angeles, who were missing LeBron James, and give the Wolves their 10th victory in the past 12 games.
Minnesota United will play its 2024 MLS home opener on March 2 against Columbus.

Missing Messi: Loons 2024 schedule released, no Inter Miami matchup

After opening at Austin on Feb. 24, Minnesota United will play its home opener March 2 vs. Columbus.
Minnesota United interim head coach Sean McAuley is one of the team officials helping select players in the MLS SuperDraft.

Loons select Indiana defender Bacharach in MLS SuperDraft

Hugo Bacharach, the ninth overall pick in Tuesday's MLS SuperDraft, is expected to move to Minnesota United's back line, next to Michael Boxall.

December golf in Minnesota? Warmth brings rush on tee times

Available spots went quickly as courses made times available because of weather forecasts for Thursday and Friday.
Minnesota United interim coach Sean McAuley instructed players during the team’s game against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Oct. 7 at Allianz Field.

Minnesota United plans to keep McAuley as interim coach, for now

The Loons will start practicing for a new season next month with Sean McAuley remaining as interim coach, the team announced Tuesday.

New Loons soccer boss El-Ahmad ready to leave Barnsley FC on Dec. 15

Khaled El-Ahmad, the Loons' new sporting director and chief soccer officer, came from Sweden, eager to learn, and began building a soccer career at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Loons defender DJ Taylor started 29 of the 30 MLS games he played last season.

Loons sign Taylor to two-year deal and exercise Boxall's option

The Loons finalized their end-of-season in moves that were the first since their hiring of new chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) gestures in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, Nov. 26, 202

Timberwolves thump Grizzlies behind Mike Conley's double-double

The Wolves won for the 11th time in 13 games and kept Memphis winless at home.
Immanuel Quickley (5) of the New York Knicks defends Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter Monday, November

McDaniels hurts ankle; Alexander-Walker steps up with solid defense

Nickeil Alexander-Walker did a little bit of everything in the Wolves win over the Knicks, scoring in double-digits and working to slow down New York guard Jalen Brunson.

Best in the West: Wolves first by themselves after smothering Knicks

Beating the Knicks 117-100 maintained the Wolves' perfect record at Target Center and offered more evidence that personnel moves made by the team are paying off big.

Timberwolves smother Knicks 117-100, have first place to themselves in NBA Western Conference

Beating the Knicks 117-100 maintained the Wolves' perfect record at Target Center and offered more evidence that personnel moves made by the team are paying off big.
Shari Ballard was named Minnesota United CEO on Aug. 10, 2021.

Minnesota United CEO Ballard says GM El-Ahmad will be worth the wait

Loons General Manager Khaled El-Ahmad is under contract with an English club through next summer, which could affect the timeline for the hiring of a new head coach.
Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso scored on a penalty kick against Colorado on Aug. 30 at Allianz Field.

Minnesota United returning to Coachella Valley Invitational in February

The Loons will play exhibition games in California, as they did last preseason in MLS' version of spring training.
Khaled El-Ahmad was named Minnesota United’s new Sporting Director and Chief Soccer Officer on Monday.

Loons hire Khaled El-Ahmad from England as chief soccer officer

The Loons filled their vacant general manager's post with Khaled El-Ahmad, who had been CEO and Sporting Director for Barnsley in England's League One.
Minnesota United midfielder Kervin Arriaga is one of four Loons with a team option for 2024.

Quickest offseason in sports: 11 dates to know for Minnesota United

The Loons are in a holding pattern now, preparing to hire a new general manager and a new coach. But once things get moving, a lot will happen fast.
Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (15) jumped high for a header against Toronto FC. He’s one of several players on expiring contracts.

Minnesota United roster analysis: Decisions about players must be made

The Loons will have a new coach, and likely a new general manager, tasked with deciding which of Heath's acquisitions remain in the team's plans.
Minnesota United is running headlong into a new era. What kind of era that will be is still largely a mystery.

No Heath, no playoffs: Where do the Loons go next?

For the first time in its MLS tenure, the team will look for a new coach and general manager on top of the usual offseason roster shuffling.
Minnesota United's Hassani Dotson dribbled with the ball at Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Courtesy of Minnesota United FC)

Loons' season, MLS playoff streak end with 3-1 loss to Sporting KC

Michael Boxall scored the Loons' lone goal on a free-kick header — not near enough for a team that needed to win to reach the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) looks down after Sporting Kansas City forward Alán Pulido scored during the second half of an MLS soccer m

Loons vs. Sporting Kansas City preview: Both teams fighting for playoffs berth

Jerry Zgoda's analysis: An 0-7 regular-season record at Children's Mercy Park doesn't bode well for the Loons.