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: Minnesota United makes restarts the starting point for its success
The pattern has been obvious for so long that MLS teams ought to see the set pieces coming. Having “belief in those moments” is the difference, coach Eric Ramsay said.
July 13, 2025
Minnesota United grabs a lead and keeps a tight grip, defeating San Jose
The Loons excelled, in their now-familiar style, on set pieces, scoring twice in the first half on corner kicks.
July 13, 2025
Loons' defense-first philosophy comes with a catch
The Loons, who will play San Jose on Saturday, have had four leads become sudden draws or losses after the 70th minute.
July 12, 2025
Minnesota United reaches U.S. Open Cup semifinals with win over Chicago
The Loons, given a man advantage, wiped out a Fire lead, then Kelvin Yeboah scored twice in extra time.
July 9, 2025
Analysis: United States avoids embarrassment in CONCACAF Gold Cup with shootout win against Costa Rica
The soccer world had already witnessed two upsets in the quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Matt Freese kept it from happening again.
June 30, 2025
Analysis: Minnesota United lets points get away late in draw with New York Red Bulls
Manager Eric Ramsay expressed disappointment that the game got tied in the 90th minute but said before long he’ll consider it “a really good point on the road.”
June 29, 2025
Analysis: Even without A-listers, the U.S. men’s national team has important business in Minn.
When USA faces Costa Rica in Sunday’s Gold Cup quarterfinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Americans can search for the players they need.
June 28, 2025
Analysis: Lifted by two goals for Mom, Minnesota United takes an outside-the-norm victory
Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s mother saw her son play at Allianz Field for the first time, and he scored twice. The Loons won a June match amid absences, and their rookie goalkeeper showed improvement.
June 26, 2025
Minnesota United surprises Michael Boxall with news he’s a first-time MLS All-Star
Michael Boxall and Dayne St. Clair will represent the Loons at the MLS All-Star Game on July 23 in Austin, Texas.
June 25, 2025
Analysis: Why the West’s top teams are still giving Minnesota United fits
The Loons had a strong first half overall but still have a lot to prove entering Wednesday’s home game vs. Houston.
June 24, 2025
Team USA coming to U.S. Bank Stadium for CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal vs. Costa Rica
The 6 p.m. game will be one of two Gold Cup quarterfinal matches held at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
June 23, 2025
Loons most bothered by third goal in loss to San Diego FC, Wessel Speel's MLS debut
The Loons looked at San Diego’s third goal as one that shouldn’t have happened against them.
June 15, 2025
