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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
Devin Booker of the Suns and Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves went head-to-head in Sunday's regular-season finale at Target Center.

Wolves vs. Suns: Here are the match-ups . . . and a series prediction

They say it's difficult to beat the same team three times in a season. What about a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh? Jerry Zgoda breaks down the playoff series.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, right, will spend plenty of time guarding Suns forward Kevin Durant during the teams' first-round NBA playoff serie

Wolves' Edwards named to Team USA for Paris Olympics

Guard Anthony Edwards expressed his excitement to be joining other NBA stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry on the team. He will be the fourth Wolves player to play for the U.S. in the Olympics.
Suns guard Bradley Beal shoots between Wolves defenders Sunday on his way to 36 points in Phoenix's victory at Target Center.

Wolves vs. Suns: Will playoffs be a repeat of regular season?

First in the West and in defensive ranking most of the year, the Wolves now face a Phoenix team that finished strong and is more gifted than a typical sixth seed.
Wolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns returned Friday after 18 games and more than a month away injured following meniscus knee surgery.

Timberwolves-Suns game preview: TV-radio information, injury report and statistics

If the Timberwolves beat the Suns and the Thunder or Nuggets lose, they're the top seed.
Hawks forward Bruno Fernando has his shot blocked by Wolves center Rudy Gobert on Friday night at Target Center.

Wolves coach: 'Rudy is the reason we don't lose'

Gobert helped the Timberwolves stay in contention for the top seed in the West.
Karl Anthony-Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after a play in the first quarter.

KAT could return to play tonight when Wolves host Atlanta

Coach Chris Finch wants to get Karl-Anthony Towns, recovering from meniscus surgery, some minutes before the playoffs.
Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots over Wizards forward Eugene Omoruyi on Tuesday at Target Center.

Wolves vs. Nuggets tonight: 'Everyone knows what's at stake'

The teams are down to their last three games of the regular season. As Anthony Edwards put it, 'I don't even need to talk about how big it is. Everybody knows.'
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards happily heads to the bench after scoring a career-high 51 points in the Wolves' 130-121 victory over the Wizards at

Edwards scores career-high 51 as Wolves rally past Wizards

Anthony Edwards helped rescue the Wolves on a night when they trailed Washington by as many as 21 points in the first quarter and Naz Reid was ejected after a flagrant foul.
Colette Montgomery is the new Minnesota Aurora FC coach and sporting director.

Minnesota Aurora FC hires Colette Montgomery as coach, sporting director

Colette Montgomery replaces Nicole Lukic as sporting director and coach for Minnesota Aurora FC.
Minnesota United forward Teemu Pukki (22) pounces on the counterattack with Real Salt Lake center back Justen Glad (15) in pursuit Saturday night at A

Oluwaseyi's late goal lifts Loons to 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake

Tani Oluwaseyi's goal Saturday night was the Loons' fifth this season that came in the 87th minute or later.
Robin Lod, left, and Teemu Pukki are veteran players from Finland who have formed a bond on and off the field. (AP and Star Tribune photos)

Loons' Finns have a strong connection on and off the field

Whether it's home-cooked dinners or assisting on each other's goals, the bond between Teemu Pukki and Robin Lod has gotten stronger in Minnesota.
Point guard Monte Morris, who joined the Timberwolves from Detroit in a deal at February's trade deadline, brings additional playoff experience to the

Morris gets a chance for extended minutes with Wolves

Keeping starting point guard Mike Conley healthy and rested has meant extra playing time for Monte Morris, a seven-year veteran who has played for three other teams.
The Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, who had been slumping from long distance, hits a three-pointer over the Raptors' Immanuel Quickley during the first

Wolves rip Raptors by 48, move atop West, clinch 1st-round home court

The Wolves were relentless in sending Toronto to its 15th straight loss, a game that was marked by Anthony Edwards breaking out of his three-point shooting slump.
Michigan Stars midfielder Hunter Olson scored an insurance goal, bending a shot past veteran Minnesota United goalkeeper Clint Irwin, seen vs. Real Sa

Michigan Stars send MNUFC2 home from U.S. Open Cup in shutout

Outplayed much of Tuesday night, the Michigan Stars turned one of their few true chances into the only goal they would need when Sacko Konate scored during MNUFC's 2-0 defeat.
Anthony Edwards reacts after a first-quarter shot Sunday, when he missed all five of his three-point shots.

Edwards is missing shots, but he's not leaking confidence

The Timberwolves standout is 0-for-13 on three-pointers in his two games, including Sunday's ugly loss to the Bulls. But he isn't fretting. Nor are his coaches or teammates.
Wolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) was fouled by Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) in the fourth quarter Sunday night at Target Center.

Wolves fall to 3rd in West when shooting fails in loss to Bulls

The Timberwolves' return to the top of the Western Conference lasted only two days after they struggled from three-point range against Chicago.
Forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane, pictured during a game March 16, and Minnesota United suffered their first MLS loss of the season Saturday, falling 2-0

Minnesota United falls 2-0 at Philadelphia for first loss of the season

The Loons dropped to 3-1-1 after appearing to score an equalizer in the 82nd minute, but forward Tani Oluwaseyi was called offside.
Minnesota United players celebrate the team's March 16 victory against Los Angeles FC.

Can Minnesota United keep pace as one of the best in MLS?

The Loons are back from their international break but won't have star Emanuel Reynoso for Saturday's match at Philadelphia.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry's 307 three-pointers this season leads the NBA.

Wolves-Warriors preview: Season series finale returns to Target Center

Jerry Zgoda's breakdown: The Timberwolves could still be missing their stars, but they won both previous games against Golden State.
Wolves guard Mike Conley celebrates after the Cavaliers call timeout in the fourth quarter Friday night at Target Center.

Wolves' point guard trio show off connection on court

With the playoffs looming, the Wolves may be forced to play smaller than they've grown accustomed to. Chris Finch is confident it won't be an issue after the win over Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) fight for a loose ball in the fourth quarter.

Friday night delight: Wolves turn it on late to beat Cavaliers

It took some time and a little bit of self-inflicted physicality, but the Wolves won for the fourth game in their last five after a 104-91 victory Friday night at Target Center.
Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaac Okoro (35) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monda

Edwards, Reid will play for Wolves tonight

Donovan Mitchell is sidelined for Cleveland, which has the third-best record in the East.
Minnesota United coach Eric Ramsay, shown after the team's win over Los Angeles FC on March 16 in St. Paul, coached the Loons against St. Patrick’s

Loons win friendly vs. St Patrick's; reserve team wins in U.S. Open Cup

The MNUFC2 reserve team wins in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup while the Minnesota United first team tops St. Patrick's Athletic in friendly at home.
Minnesota United's new coach, Eric Ramsay, celebrates his first victory last Saturday at Allianz Field.

Loons send two teams into action across the Midwest on Wednesday

MNUFC2 opens the U.S. Open Cup in Chicago, while the first team plays a friendly against St. Patrick's, from suburban Dublin.
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.