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.
Aston Villa is back in the league, joining the bottom 14 that have, in dedicated and authentic fans, what can sometimes escape the brand-conscious top six clubs.
Minnesota United has captured a major league-level fan base in its first two years. Now, in a new stadium, the Loons are playing like they deserve every one of those supporters.
United midfielder explained the significance of tonight's game with Portland at Allianz Field: "It's a little bit unique to the soccer culture, playing for cups. But it's extremely important to us."
The Loons will pay a $4 million transfer fee for rights to midfielder Thomas Chacon and made room for him by trading for an international-player roster spot.
Loons captain Ozzie Alonso felt "something" during the first half Sunday, but a video review seeking to determine if Portland's Brian Fernandez spit at him found nothing.
The game was scoreless until a video replay determined that Portland player hit a corner kick with his arm, resulting in Ethan Finlay's penalty kick score.
Ethan Finlay went left – just inside the post – against former Columbus teammate Steve Clark, Portland's goalkeeper who dove and got a hand on Finlay's shot but couldn't stop it.
Loons midfielder Kevin Molino is back in the lineup, filling in for suspended Darwin Quintero, and newly signed Robin Lod will make his MLS debut off the bench.