Soccer
Complete coverage of Minnesota United, Minnesota Aurora, the MLS and World Cup soccer. Latest scores, player stats, schedule, standings, game highlights and sports commentary from the Star Tribune.
Loons
![Loons player Ike Opara(3) helps out goalie Vito Mannone(1) on a goal attempt .] The Loons take on D.C. United at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN. RICHAR](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/MRP7337X53MG7LKI22FCIHF3JQ.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
United's Vito Mannone, Ike Opara named to MLS Best XI
The Loons' defensive stalwarts join some of the league's biggest stars in being recognized as its best 11 players in 2019.
Loons
Brilliant season or disappointment? Either way, Loons aim to improve
The Loons' turnaround after two losing seasons was ''massive,'' defender Michael Boxall said. But the new playoff format was "harsh,'' according to Vito Mannone, who played his first season of MLS.
Loons
Loons decline option on five players, already reshaping next season's roster
Rasmus Schuller, A Finnish national-team member, was among the players let go.
Loons
Trophy-less Chicago has more to gain in women's soccer title game
North Carolina is the unquestioned favorite and, with three consecutive NWSL Shield (regular-season title) victories, is firmly in "dynasty" mode.
Loons
![Minnesota United goalkeeper Vito Mannone (1) blocked a shot in the first half against Orlando City. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@startribu](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5LCUVLLRAHRY3L6YIZHCR43VLQ.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Loons' Vito Mannone named MLS top goalkeeper
The Premier League veteran becomes the second Minnesota United player to receive a top defensive award, reflecting the team's dramatic improvement giving up fewer goals.
Loons
'Big decisions' ahead for Loons: Seven questions facing the team
Proud but disappointed after his team's first-round playoff loss, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath promised there will be changes for the 2020 season.
Loons
Scoggins: Loons made commitment to improve, and it has to continue
Minnesota United's debut appearance in the Major League Soccer playoffs should be viewed as an opportunity lost. A new standard now guides every decision.
Loons
Two Galaxy goals in four minutes knock out Loons from playoffs
Minnesota United controlled the action for Sunday's first 71 minutes, but failed to convert on several prime scoring chances before its opponents took command.
Loons
Loons just the latest Minnesota team to have hopes dashed, flaws exposed in playoffs
When a team is good enough to make the playoffs despite its flaws, talking yourself into the idea of a possible championship requires equal parts hope and amnesia.
St. Paul
Two shot near Loons playoff game; Carter says 'This has to stop right now'
"This has to stop right now," mayor says of the rash of gun violence.
Loons
Allianz Field survives rapid transition from football to futbol
Allianz Field's grounds crew worked overnight Saturday manicuring grass that had been laid only three weeks ago into game condition after St. John's and St. Thomas played a college football game.
Loons
No place like home for MLS playoff teams; will Loons follow trend?
All four home teams won on Saturday's opening day of the 2019 MLS playoffs and Philadelphia follow with a dramatic comeback Sunday afternoon. Minnesota United plays host to LA Galaxy on Sunday night.
Loons
History-making MLS playoff game comes to Allianz Field
The stage is set for the first MLS playoff game in Minnesota United history. "Every moment matters, right?" said United veteran midfielder Ethan Finlay, who played seven playoff games with Columbus in 2014 and 2015.
Loons
'We kind of tore it up': Allianz Field turf takes a beating after St. John's-St. Thomas game
Concern over the turf existed even before the St. John's-St. Thomas game.
Loons
Gameday preview: Minnesota United vs. LA Galaxy in MLS playoffs
Two weeks after it ended its regular season with a 1-1 draw at Seattle, Minnesota United makes its MLS playoff debut as the home team in a No. 4/No. 5 seed matchup.
Loons
If at first you don't concede: Loons' stingy defensive spine is playoff key
The Loons' playoff success, starting against L.A. Galaxy's star-studded scoring power, hinges on its meticulously acquired and highly successful trio of defensive stalwarts.
Loons
![Minnesota United midfielder Jan Gregus (8) headed the ball towards a teammate over Real Salt Lake forward Corey Baird (17) in the second half. ] JEFF](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GHN5TW5NLXKPYNQ532SLJRNTAA.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Loons midfielder Gregus is long recovered from trip to Slovakia
Jan Gregus was the first of six Loons to return after being called to play for their national teams during a nine-day FIFA international break scheduled this year
Loons
U.S. men's soccer hits another low with first loss to Canada in decades
A 2-0 loss to Canada, which hadn't defeated the United States in 35 years, is a low rivaling two years ago when the Americans failed to make the World Cup.
Loons
Feats of unexpected strength: Loons near first MLS playoff game
With a sparkling new home in Allianz Field, United and its noisy supporters head into Sunday's playoff game with a fittingly modest Minnesota cheer: "Say shh."
Loons
Opara leads United turnaround, wins MLS top defender award for second time
Ike Opara, who won the honor in 2017 with Sporting Kansas City, helped lead Minnesota United's defensive transformation after its first two goal-ridden seasons in MLS.
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Around the Region
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