Recent content from Megan Ryan
Gophers hockey concentrating on improving, not on Big Ten opponents
Gophers first-year coach Bob Motzko says it will take time to know league foes.
Cutesy Gophers hockey routed by Mavericks in series opener
The Gophers allowed goals in the first minute of the second and third periods of a 5-1 loss to MSU Mankato. "There's just a lot of cuteness to our team that doesn't belong in hockey," coach Bob Motzko said.
Gophers goalie situation is a good problem to have
Head coach Bob Motzko says Mat Robson and Eric Schierhorn both have been outstanding.
Loons face an unwelcome repeat vs. Columbus in regular-season finale
The Loons, already eliminated from playoff contention, face Columbus at Mapfre Stadium on Sunday in the final regular-season game with a dubious distinction possible.
In Year 2, Loons' fortunes were better off the field than in games
Minnesota United's business side is, in many ways, thriving, with a new soccer-specific stadium set to open. But the on-field product has lagged as its second MLS season draws to a close Sunday.
Loons close out TCF Bank Stadium rental with '50k to Midway'
Minnesota United officials expect 52,000 fans Sunday afternoon for the Loons' match with L.A. Galaxy, the final game at TCF Bank Stadium before Allianz Field opens next spring.
Wild's veterans leading push through team's sluggish start
Young players have been reveling in watching the big-name players on the roster work.
Dubnyk bright spot in Wild's slow start while offense seeks answers
A four-day stretch between an overtime loss to Vegas and Thursday's match with Chicago has the team reconfiguring forward lines.
Gophers hockey finds its way, tops No. 1 Duluth 7-4 in home opener
Bob Motzko picked up his first win as Gophers coach, even if he went to the wrong bench to start. Meanwhile, the top-ranked Bulldogs outshot No. 13 Minnesota 46-22 but had trouble finding the back of the net.
Iowa freshman cornerback Moss passes exam vs. Gophers
Hawkeyes fill-in Riley Moss had two of Iowa's four interceptions Saturday vs. the Gophers.
Bob Motzko on a mission to transfer winning formula to U hockey
New coach may not know everyone's name yet, but he's seeking to build a family atmosphere with the Gophers like the one that worked so well for him in St. Cloud.
Loons CEO says Heath, GM Lagos 'get passing grade'
With Minnesota United nearly two full seasons into its MLS existence and having a combined record of 20-34-9, many have wondered if a change in leadership is on the horizon.
Loons midfielders Bob, Maximiano suspended for next game
Minnesota United players Fernando Bob and Maximiano will both miss the next game with suspensions.
Quick to start, slow to finish: Loons hang on to defeat Portland 3-2
Up 3-0, the Loons allowed two late goals and sustained a red card but secured the victory over the Timbers.
Loons popular designated player Quintero a leader in taking losses hard, too
Well-known to soccer fans in Mexico, designated player Darwin Quintero has shined with the Loons, on offense and with teammates, even as defeats keep him up at night.
United rookie Omsberg gets chance to start in tough road match
Wyatt Omsberg, Mason Toye and Carter Manley have seen limited playing time in their rookie seasons but say they've progressed since they were drafted in January.
Minnesota United-D.C. United gameday preview
The Loons, refreshed for their end-of-season push, visit MLS' latest soccer-specific stadium.
Royals starter Lopez throws eight perfect innings in win vs. Twins
Max Kepler's walk to lead off the ninth inning prevented a perfect game, and Robbie Grossman singled one batter later to break up the no-hitter but the Royals still won 4-1.
De Jong's Twins debut a family affair
When Chase De Jong makes his Sunday start at Target Field - four hours from his father's hometown - he will be the 53rd Twin to play this season, which tops last year's club record of 52.
Pro-style obsession: Local athletes flock to Fortnite
The video game sensation Fortnite counts well-paid athletes among its biggest players. "They definitely got me," Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie said.
Secret weapon? Seth Green runs the wildcat, scores twice for Gophers
The former East Ridge star had a tough conversation with coach P.J. Fleck when he was told that he wasn't a quarterback candidate. But other roles have popped up.
Loons sever ties with defender Tyrone Mears
The team said the 35-year-old right back, acquired last December, had agreed to mutually terminate his contract to help facilitate a move to play soccer closer to family in his home country.
Is Bob the answer? Loons sign defensive midfielder from Brazil
Fernando Bob, 30, has played for eight clubs at various levels in Brazil in his pro career, most recently with top-flight club Associacao Atletica Ponte Preta.
Formation shift possible for Minnesota United's match at FC Dallas
The Loons might be driven by absences back to a familiar formation.
'Coach Tyler.' North High's Johnson takes on being a boss for Gophers
During captains' practices, Tyler Johnson took up a new position in addition to being a Gophers star receiver: "He's like the coach out there," a teammate explained.
Home-grown Kallman on track for rare one-team career with Loons
Christian Ramirez's departure makes Brent Kallman, from Woodbury, the Loons' only player who hasn't strayed.
Loons sell popular Ramirez to LAFC in deal that could fetch $1 million
Christian Ramirez, the Loons' leading scorer from 2017, has been with the club since 2014 in the North American Soccer League and was a fan favorite in Minnesota.
What's ahead for Loons after Heath benches leading scorer Ramirez?
Rumors have swirled for weeks about striker Christian Ramirez's potential departure now that Angelo Rodriguez has arrived. Ramirez didn't play at all in Saturday's loss.
Loons strike early before losing crucial match to Seattle
Frustration boiled over after United's 2-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders, a game key members of the team called the season's most important in terms of the Loons' slim playoff hopes.
Quintero, Calvo are confident All-Stars
After Minnesota United had no players in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game in its inaugural season, the Loons sent two representatives to Wednesday's game against Italian club Juventus in Atlanta.
Danladi turns to veteran teammate Quintero for advice on injuries
Darwin Quintero is Minnesota United's star designated player, but the playmaker also took on a new role off the field: Abu Danladi's personal trainer.
Hotspur tops A.C. Milan in match that features more youth than stars
When Tottenham Hotspur F.C. beat A.C. Milan 1-0 at U.S. Bank Stadium on Tuesday, many top players were still on a break after the tournament.
Tottenham comes to town for match and to boost Vikings relationship
When it comes to the Vikings' relationship with Tottenham Hotspur, the distance from London to Minneapolis might as well be the short trip from U.S. Bank Stadium to a Minneapolis pub.
Loons scoring leader Quintero added to MLS All-Star roster
The 30-year-old Colombian joined United during the season and has nine goals in 17 games.
Angelo Rodriguez, Loons' newest designated player, has plenty to offer
Two designated players give the Loons a double dose of good examples.
Road woes must go for Minnesota United's playoff chances to improve
With only one road win, United desperately needs points away from home to keep MLS playoffs in play.
Loons outside back Thiesson happy about vigorous workout
He has currently missed nine games, including Sunday's match against LAFC, because of a calf strain.
Third game in nine days a grind for winning but weary Loons
After a second straight home win on Wednesday, the Loons play LAFC on Sunday with a chance to get all nine points from their homestand.
Second Ibarra expected to help Loons (and he won't be confused with team's other Ibarra)
Romario Ibarra arrived for Minnesota United's training Monday and could debut as early as Sunday - with Miguel Ibarra already in tow.
Productive first half helps Loons pick up another home victory
It wasn't the smoothest game for Minnesota United but Christian Ramirez and Darwin Quintero provided enough offense before halftime.
Minnesota United's Christian Ramirez welcomes addition of another striker
Last year's leading scorer is satisfied with addition of Angelo Rodriguez.
Heath fumes after Loons forced to hang on vs. Salt Lake
Minnesota United took a commanding 3-0 lead in the second half before Salt Lake scored two goals in 8 minutes to put the pressure on. And that did not please the Loons coach.
Loons CEO Wright tells fans to be patient in team's 'build'
Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright acknowledged in a teleconference the club strives to win but has been working toward the new stadium opening for next season.
Loons' struggles with set pieces reach critical point in MLS season
United has yet to score a goal from a set piece — dead-ball situations such as direct free kicks and corners. But the Loons have allowed one free-kick goal and seven corner-kick goals, including five in the past six games.
Loons fall 2-1 to Costa Rican team Deportivo Saprissa
The midweek international friendly was a chance for Loons reserve players to see some action before the MLS schedule picks up again this weekend.
Loons add Colombian Ángelo Rodriguez as second designated player
He is expected to bring grit, toughness and leadership to the Loons. Rodriguez joins Darwin Quintero as players who are paid more than the salary cap limitations.
Loons sign Ecuadorean standout Ibarra
Romario Ibarra comes from Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in Ecuador's top division and is seen as a potential "difference-maker" by Loons coach Adrian Heath.
Quintero's hat trick carries Minnesota United past Toronto FC
His three goals in the 4-3 victory were a first for the club in the MLS era.
World Cup experience 'a dream' for Minnesota United's Calvo
Calvo played a total of 105 minutes at the World Cup, starting Costa Rica's 1-0 loss to Serbia and coming on as a sub in the team's 2-0 loss to Brazil before sitting out the 2-2 draw with Switzerland.
Minnesota United needs run of wins to get in playoff contention
The Loons sit in ninth place nearly halfway through the season.
Loons new formation works well against FC Dallas
United went to a 3-5-2 in Friday's loss to FC Dallas.
Loons midfielder Martin comes out publicly that he's gay
Collin Martin is the only publicly gay male athlete active in the five major pro leagues. He also is believed to be the first man in Minnesota to come out during his playing career.
Loons reach halfway point in season, fall 1-0 to FC Dallas
United had to deviate from its usual formation with a 3-5-2, as winger Miguel Ibarra was not available for the game after a red card suspension. Dallas won with a goal in the 59th minute.
Loons extend effort in supporting diversity
On Friday against FC Dallas, Minnesota United will host its fifth annual Pride Night. The Loons have been dedicated to publicly including the LGBTQ community since the current ownership group took charge
Heath threatens roster moves if Loons road woes continue
Adrian Heath said the next few weeks will be a time to assess if the club has the personnel to solve its problems. And if not, players could be coming and going until the transfer window shuts Aug. 8.
Watch at 7:30 p.m.: Loons vs. Houston in U.S. Open Cup round of 16
The Minnesota United-Houston winner will face defending champion Sporting Kansas City, which knocked the Loons out in their first game of the tournament last season.
Loons captain Calvo ready to kick it on the world stage for Costa Rica
Costa Rica, with Minnesota United captain Francisco Calvo on board, will open its World Cup campaign 7 a.m. Sunday against Serbia.
In World Cup, Loons root, root, root for their home teams
Nine players on Minnesota United's 30-man roster have countries in the World Cup, as does coach Adrian Heath with England. With all those rooting interests, there's a fair amount of trash talking going on.
Failing grade: College soccer seen as culprit in USA missing World Cup
The past eight months have been rife with finger-pointing on the problems with soccer in the United States. A longer NCAA season is seen as one way for the U.S. to keep pace with world.
Minnesota United tries to rebound against future MLS foe Cincinnati
A U.S. Open Cup game against a hungry FC Cincinnati team awaits.
Lampson's heroes: Helping young cancer patients personal
United's Matt Lampson survived IVB Hodgkin's lymphoma — the latest stage for the disease — as a teenager to eventually become a pro soccer player. Now, he's a regular at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
'Nowhere near good enough.' Loons dominated 4-1 at Sporting KC
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath said his ninth-place squad doesn't have the mental toughness to succeed away from TCF Bank Stadium.
Loons' Boxall's tenacity worthy of captain's armband
Boxall wore the Loons' captain's armband for the first time Sunday with his defense partner Francisco Calvo away for the World Cup.
Boxall is awarded Loons' captaincy
Coach Adrian Heath had let slip to the media Friday that Boxall was his top choice to take the armband from Francisco Calvo, who left for the World Cup early Sunday after United's 2-0 shutout of the Montreal Impact on Saturday night.
Loons end homestand with 2-0 shutout over Montreal
United went 3-2-1 in this home-game-heavy stand and is now 5-7-1 on the season.
Loons keeper Shuttleworth prefers team success to league recognition
Bobby Shuttleworth was put on the MLS team of the week for the third time in the past four weeks but said, "I don't really pay attention to stuff like that."
Injuries make youthful new midfield possible for Minnesota United's next match
Despite injuries, the Loons have some depth at the position.
Sellout crowd sees Loons hold on for 1-1 tie with Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City outshot the Loons 24-6 in a game but coach Adrian Heath's team showed resolve in game he thought it would have lost last season.
Mounting injuries become a concern for Loons
Rasmus Schuller was the latest to go down after he collided with Yohan Croizet late in Sunday's match.
Minnesota Loons-Sporting Kansas City gameday preview
United (4-7-0) battles once again with regional rival Kansas City (7-2-2), the first of three regular-season meetings this year.
The Loons want to mirror Sporting Kansas City's evolution as a franchise
But one of the key cogs in Kansas City's success is something hard to re-create, at least immediately.
Allianz Field set to be new soccer 'fortress' for USMNT
The CONCACAF Gold Cup, which takes place every two years, is coming to St. Paul in 2019. It's the region's top tournament, crowning the best national team from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Minnesota United starting to develop some chemistry up front
Darwin Quintero and Alexi Gomez are jelling with Loons mainstays Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra.
United's 3-1 loss to San Jose goes from bad to worse
The Loons gave up a goal in the second minute, and defensive lapses kept the team from threatening in a match that afterward had the teams emotions boiling.
Loons' players, coach, fans voice displeasure over calls vs. San Jose
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath said he will place a call to the MLS officiating office to discuss Saturday's on-field calls, actions that center back Francisco Calvo called "embarrassing" and "totally terrible."
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