Recent content from Jerry Zgoda
Minnesota United plans to keep McAuley as interim coach, for now
The Loons will start practicing for a new season next month with Sean McAuley remaining as interim coach, the team announced Tuesday.
New Loons soccer boss El-Ahmad ready to leave Barnsley FC on Dec. 15
Khaled El-Ahmad, the Loons' new sporting director and chief soccer officer, came from Sweden, eager to learn, and began building a soccer career at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Loons sign Taylor to two-year deal and exercise Boxall's option
The Loons finalized their end-of-season in moves that were the first since their hiring of new chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad.
Timberwolves thump Grizzlies behind Mike Conley's double-double
The Wolves won for the 11th time in 13 games and kept Memphis winless at home.
McDaniels hurts ankle; Alexander-Walker steps up with solid defense
Nickeil Alexander-Walker did a little bit of everything in the Wolves win over the Knicks, scoring in double-digits and working to slow down New York guard Jalen Brunson.
Best in the West: Wolves first by themselves after smothering Knicks
Beating the Knicks 117-100 maintained the Wolves' perfect record at Target Center and offered more evidence that personnel moves made by the team are paying off big.
Minnesota United CEO Ballard says GM El-Ahmad will be worth the wait
Loons General Manager Khaled El-Ahmad is under contract with an English club through next summer, which could affect the timeline for the hiring of a new head coach.
Minnesota United returning to Coachella Valley Invitational in February
The Loons will play exhibition games in California, as they did last preseason in MLS' version of spring training.
Loons hire Khaled El-Ahmad from England as chief soccer officer
The Loons filled their vacant general manager's post with Khaled El-Ahmad, who had been CEO and Sporting Director for Barnsley in England's League One.
Quickest offseason in sports: 11 dates to know for Minnesota United
The Loons are in a holding pattern now, preparing to hire a new general manager and a new coach. But once things get moving, a lot will happen fast.
Minnesota United roster analysis: Decisions about players must be made
The Loons will have a new coach, and likely a new general manager, tasked with deciding which of Heath's acquisitions remain in the team's plans.
No Heath, no playoffs: Where do the Loons go next?
For the first time in its MLS tenure, the team will look for a new coach and general manager on top of the usual offseason roster shuffling.
Loons' season, MLS playoff streak end with 3-1 loss to Sporting KC
Michael Boxall scored the Loons' lone goal on a free-kick header — not near enough for a team that needed to win to reach the playoffs.
Loons vs. Sporting Kansas City preview: Both teams fighting for playoffs berth
Jerry Zgoda's analysis: An 0-7 regular-season record at Children's Mercy Park doesn't bode well for the Loons.
Reynoso's Loons future is still bright despite Heath firing
In his first session with reporters since Adrian Heath was fired, Emanuel Reynoso spoke positively Friday about his future with the Loons.
Eight-month MLS season has come down to one game for Loons
Minnesota United can advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the fifth straight year, but they need a win at Kansas City and help from another team.
What are Minnesota United's playoff chances, and how can they get in?
The Loons enter their final regular-season game — Saturday night at Sporting Kansas City — needing a win and help from other teams to make the MLS postseason.
Misery loves company: Twins' bats go identically silent in Games 3 and 4
For the second game in a row, the Twins had just three hits and 14 strikeouts. They will be thinking about these two silent nights until spring training in February.
Loons get healthier, still cling to slim playoff hope
Midfielder Joseph Rosales could play the regular-season finale if his hamstring recovers in time, interim coach Sean McAuley said.
Royce Lewis does it again; home run gives Twins early energy in Game 4
Royce Lewis is already tied for second-most career postseason home runs for the Twins, one behind Kirby Puckett.
Facing the Astros in biggest game of the season, Gray has worst start
Sonny Gray, spectacular all season in the first inning, struggled in Game 3's opening minutes. Before Twins fans got settled at Target Field, Houston had a 4-0 lead.
Twins hitters went cold, none chillier than Kirilloff and Wallner
The two lefthanded bats are hitless in 17 at-bats this postseason. Just as telling: The Twins are 5-for-37 with runners in scoring position.
Hazeltine lands another major golf tournament: Here's how it happened
The KPMG Women's PGA Championship will return in 2026 to a club that was built to play host to the sport's biggest events.
Home opener replay? Game 3 will have that look, feel at Target Field
Sonny Gray vs. the Astros with a late-afternoon start at a filled-up Target Field. That is what's in store Tuesday afternoon, just as it was for the Twins home-opener in April.
Loons rebound in a big way, beating LA Galaxy 5-2 in McAuley's debut
Playing for the first time since Adrian Heath was fired, Teemu Pukki scored four times to keep the Loons' MLS playoff hopes alive.
Heath out as Minnesota United coach amid late-season freefall
The Loons fired Adrian Heath, the only head coach they have ever had as an MLS team, and replaced him with assistant Sean McAuley for the regular season's final two games.
Minnesota United home game not on Apple TV due to Allianz Field strike
Allianz Field in-house gameday staff picketed outside and struck seeking their first collectively bargained contract.
Jays pull Berrios despite 'electric' performance against former team
Berríos walked Royce Lewis to start the fourth inning and then was taken out by Jays manager John Schneider despite saying that Berrios was "electric" and showed "the best stuff he has had all year."
Gausman is Jays ace and Game 1 starter, but Twins have had his number
Kevin Gausman led the American League in strikeouts and posted a sterling 3.16 ERA — but the Twins scored seven runs in 10 innings against him this season.
Warroad's Hockey Day Minnesota will celebrate Henry Boucha's life, career
The three-day event, to be held the final weekend of January, will see players wear jerseys that honor Boucha, who died Sept. 18 and was remembered at memorial services Thursday and Friday..
Henry Boucha is remembered by the State of Hockey and the world of hockey
"The best hockey player to come out of Minnesota" was eulogized in front of about 800 in Warroad Gardens arena.
Why Dotson is the Loons' best player of late
Dotson has bounced back from major knee surgery and looked comfortable at multiple positions.
Injured Loons star Reynoso questionable for San Jose game
Emanuel Reynoso has a thigh injury and did not practice again Tuesday, but Loons coach Adrian Heath said Reynoso "feels better by the day."
Loons again give up too much after halftime, fall 2-1 to St. Louis City
After St. Louis City made a slew of second-half subs, the first-year expansion team went to work in beating the Loons.
Loons in crunch time with Reynoso 'day-to-day'
The Loons have fallen out of a playoff spot heading into Saturday night's home game against St. Louis City.
Reeling Loons face pivotal game against best-in-the-West St. Louis
The Loons are winless in their last four and sit one point outside the playoffs.
Heath cites 'stupid decisions' as Loons collapse late in loss to Galaxy
Minnesota United dropped under the nine-team playoff line and into 10th place in the Western Conference with Wednesday night's 4-3 loss to the L.A. Galaxy.
Loons look to extend four-game unbeaten streak vs. L.A. Galaxy
The Loons, fighting to make the playoffs, travel to face the L.A. Galaxy, which sits in 13th place in the Western Conference.
Five difference makers in the Loons' MLS playoff push
The Loons have six regular-season games remaining, starting Wednesday at the L.A. Galaxy.
Minnesota picks ex-Gophers star Heise No. 1 overall in PWHL draft
Taylor Heise, a former Gophers All-America, was the No. 1 overall selection in Monday's PWHL draft, the first of 15 picks for the Minnesota franchise in the new league.
Loons lament missed call on SKC ahead of winning goal: 'Who didn't see it?'
To the dismay of Loons players, Gadi Kinda's goal in the 84th minute was the difference Saturday night at Allianz Field.
Loons return three players for matchup with Sporting Kansas City
The Loons' Teemu Pukki, Joseph Rosales and Sang Bin Jeong missed last Saturday's 1-1 draw with New England because they were on international duty
Loons find a defensive groove to bolster their stretch run
The Loons have surrendered just four goals combined over the past seven games, going 3-0-4 in that stretch entering Saturday's home game vs. Sporting Kansas City.
Watch how Minnesota United players 'de-stress' at practice: rescue puppies
The Loons received a visit Wednesday from Ruff Start Rescue out of Princeton, Minn. It was part of a promotion heading into Saturday's game against Sporting Kansas City.
USMNT finds success at Allianz Field again, defeats Oman 4-0 in friendly
Folarin Balogun, Brenden Aaronson and Ricardo Pepi scored for the U.S. men's soccer team in its first time back in St. Paul since the 2022 World Cup qualifier.
Five USMNT players to watch Tuesday vs. Oman at Allianz Field
Many of the U.S. men's soccer team's biggest names will be on hand for this friendly matchup under recently rehired coach Gregg Berhalter.
USMNT coach Berhalter: 'There's tough and there's Minnesota tough'
The U.S. men's soccer team plays Oman on Tuesday in a friendly at Allianz Field, which will be significantly warmer than it was for the USMNT and Honduras on Feb. 2, 2022.
Fragapane's extra-time goal gives Loons 'crazy, crazy' draw
Trailing all night after New England star Carles Gil scored a 38th-minute goal, the Loons pushed everyone forward – including their keeper – and pulled out the one point.
Could Messi change MLS' schedule for international breaks?
The league's decision to play games through FIFA's international breaks has been a topic of contention since its inception in 1996.
Loons' Hlongwane on track for Saturday return
Hlongwane is expected back from his knee injury for Saturday's home game vs. the New England Revolution.
Minnesota United could get standout Hlongwane back soon
Bongokuhle Hlongwane tested his injured knee in a Loons training session Tuesday.
Loons' Pukki finally settling in, on and off the field
After a long goalless stretch, Pukki has scored two goals in his last two games and had another disallowed.
Loons draw with San Jose to run unbeaten streak to six games
Teemu Pukki's third MLS goal and second in two games put the Loons on the board early, and they held on for a point.
Loons set up a homecoming for Medina native Caden Clark
Traded away from the Loons earlier in his career, Clark is coming back via transfer. He'll play in Denmark until the end of 2023 and is expected to join the Loons in January.
Minnesota United heads to San Jose without injured Bongokuhle Hlongwane
Loons standout Bongokuhle Hlongwane will miss his third game with a knee injury.
Minnesota United's Pukki, Rosales called to national teams
Both will miss the Sept. 9 Loons game against New England, but are expected back for a Sept. 16 game against Sporting Kansas City.
Reynoso's two goals help Loons roll past Colorado for rare home win
Injured star Emanuel Reynoso scored two first-half goals, and Minnesota United beat the Colorado Rapids 3-0 at Allianz Field.
Hlongwane, Reynoso may not play for Loons vs. Colorado
Minnesota United's top two players, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Emanuel Reynoso, are banged up heading into Wednesday night's home match vs. last-place Colorado.
Minnesota United benefits from own goal, plays to 1-1 draw with Sounders
The Loons again failed to win at home, recording their seventh draw in 11 games at Allianz Field.
Loons ride MLS popularity wave, crediting 'Messi effect'
Messi's performance in the Leagues Cup for Inter Miami has electrified MLS since the last time Minnesota United played a league home game.
Loons preview: Hlongwane's status a game-day decision
Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Minnesota United's leading goal scorer, has an injured knee and his status is in doubt for Sunday's game against Seattle.
A voice unlike any other: Tepetonka golf club partners with CBS' Nantz
Broadcaster Jim Nantz is a paying member and club ambassador for the emerging course set to open in 2025. The club near New London, Minn., will cap its $100,000 membership at 100 people.
Minnesota United gets good news on Hlongwane's knee injury
Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has scored 15 goals across all competitions for Minnesota United this season, had an MRI that showed no damage.
Gregus scores in Minnesota United return, Loons beat NYCFC 2-0
Gregus replaced an injured Hlongwane and scored shortly after halftime.
Loons hope to use Leagues Cup as springboard to MLS playoffs
After reaching the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, Minnesota United returns to MLS action Sunday night at New York City FC.
Hlongwane leads Loons back into MLS play vs. New York City
Minnesota United forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane has 15 goals this season, the most in club history.
Ján Gregus gives Minnesota United a familiar face to bolster the midfield
Minnesota United acquired Jan Gregus from Nashville SC, then lost to that team in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Greguš couldn't play in that game but can return for the Loons on Sunday at New York City FC.
Loons have no answer after red card, fall to Nashville in Leagues Cup
Minnesota United's Leagues Cup run ended Friday with a resounding 5-0 quarterfinal loss at Nashville.
Minnesota United finds best form in pressure-packed Leagues Cup
Next up for the Loons is a Leagues Cup quarterfinal Friday at Nashville for a spot in the final four of the 47-team tournament.
Loons face fellow MLS club Nashville in Leagues Cup
Both teams reached the round of 16 by defeating a Liga MX team on penalty kicks.
Loons advance on penalties in Leagues Cup victory over Toluca
The Loons played the final 23 minutes down a man after midfielder Hassani Dotson received his second yellow card of the game. They'll play Friday in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Skill, theatrics, trash talk. St. Clair uses them all to defend penalty kicks
Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has disrupted shooters with hugs, taunts and touching the soccer ball before they kick — whatever it takes to interrupt a player's focus.
Hlongwane, Reynoso lead Loons into Leagues Cup round of 16
Minnesota United has scored nine goals in its three Leagues Cup games, led by Hlongwane's six tallies. They face Club Deportivo Toluca on Tuesday night.
Twins find company in solo homers, rally to defeat Diamondbacks
It wasn't an easy win for the Twins, but from Bailey Ober's start to four shutout innings of relief and three solo homers in three different innings, they got the job done.
Keuchel to start Sunday for Twins, says, "This is a good situation"
Former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, who is set to start Sunday against Arizona, says he didn't doubt he'd make it back to the major leagues.
