Minnesota United played on without star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso on Saturday at Real Salt Lake but introduced recently signed Adrien Hunou — not recently signed Franco Fragapane — to the starting 11.
Loons coach Adrian Heath called Fragapane game-ready for Saturday because he had been playing every fourth day for his Talleres team in Argentina until he boarded a plane bound for Minnesota last week. Meanwhile, Heath noted Hunou hadn't played a 90-minute game in weeks.
Fragapane was ineligible Saturday because of lingering paperwork that remained on his transfer from Argentina to Minnesota and MLS.
Reynoso and veteran Ethan Finlay both didn't play Saturday because of hurting knees.
So Hunou started up top with midfielders Robin Lod and Hassani Dotson underneath him while center back Bakaye Dibassy made his season debut by starting after he missed the season's first six games injured.
Still a starter
Veteran goalkeeper Tyler Miller started his third consecutive game Saturday after he recorded consecutive 1-0 clean sheets in victories over Vancouver and FC Dallas. The Loons began the season 0-4 in games Dayne St. Clair started in goal, but Heath has made it clear he doesn't hold St. Clair responsible.
"In my mind I never stopped being a starter," St. Clair said. "Just because I haven't started the last two games, I still consider myself a starter. I plan on being back in net sometime this season."
Go, Canada
Canada's national team has recalled St. Clair after Saturday's game for two World Cup qualifying games, starting next Saturday. Canada also plays CONCACAF Gold Cup group games in July.