Jon Marthaler
Freelance
Jon Marthaler has been covering Minnesota soccer for more than 15 years, all the way back to the Minnesota Thunder.
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Latest from Jon Marthaler
Analysis: Tale of two seasons for Loons ends in Western Conference semifinals
Minnesota United’s prowess from set pieces earned it worldwide recognition, and for the first time, it felt like the club had a distinct identity — but the season ended the same way as last year.
November 25, 2025
Takeaways: Loons' season ends with 1-0 playoff loss at San Diego
The expansion club took advantage of its only shot on target, getting a goal from Anders Dreyer in the second half of the MLS Western Conference semifinals.
November 25, 2025
Minnesota United is a rarity: A swooning team moving on in the MLS playoffs
Ahead of their Western Conference semifinal against San Diego, the Loons are in one of their worst stretches of the season.
November 24, 2025
MLS will hold its season from July to May starting in 2027
The MLS season will now align with the top soccer leagues in the world, including the European transfer window. Don’t worry, Minnesota fans: There will be a two-month winter break.
November 14, 2025
Analysis: Minnesota United’s 10-round shootout with Sounders had a bunch of subplots all its own
The shootout ended with a shot off the crossbar, marking the fifth time in two playoff shootouts at Allianz Field that Seattle had found the woodwork.
November 9, 2025
Loons advance in playoffs after surviving red card, 10-round shootout with Seattle
The Loons took a second-half lead playing with only 10 men, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair converted a penalty before getting help from the crossbar for a 7-6 shootout victory.
November 9, 2025
With season on the line, the Loons turn focus to themselves
Finding it lacking in a Game 2 loss, Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay is looking for energy from his team in Saturday’s deciding match of the MLS playoff series.
November 7, 2025
Takeaways: Loons lose at Seattle 4-2, will play decisive playoff game Saturday at home
The Loons made what looked like a rout into a close game with two goals late in the first half, but they could never pull even before the Sounders eventually scored an insurance goal.
November 4, 2025
Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair wins MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award
St. Clair posted the best numbers of his career this season and has developed a reputation as the penalty-kick king of MLS.
November 3, 2025
Loons looking to replicate last performance in Seattle in Game 2 of MLS playoff series
Minnesota United’s 3-2 victory over the Sounders in June was one of their best performances of the season. Repeat it and the Loons will advance.
November 3, 2025
Loons take Game 1 of MLS playoff series vs. Sounders in penalty shootout
Dayne St. Clair made one save before getting some help from the post twice after the Loons and Seattle played to a scoreless draw through 90 minutes.
October 28, 2025
Analysis: As MLS playoffs begin, Minnesota United feel Tani Oluwaseyi’s absence
Everyone with Minnesota United is happy for Tani Oluwaseyi and his transfer to La Liga, but the Loons are a different team without him and his injured strike partner, Kelvin Yeboah.
October 27, 2025
