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.
Vlatko Andonovski, hired from the NWSL's successful Reign FC franchise, inherits the challenge of leading a decorated team showing its age and also challenging U.S. Soccer for better pay.
Coach Adrian Heath will have more input in personnel decisions concerning top players while sporting director Manny Lagos will get a new title focused on the team's future.
The Loons' turnaround after two losing seasons was ''massive,'' defender Michael Boxall said. But the new playoff format was "harsh,'' according to Vito Mannone, who played his first season of MLS.
The Premier League veteran becomes the second Minnesota United player to receive a top defensive award, reflecting the team's dramatic improvement giving up fewer goals.
Proud but disappointed after his team's first-round playoff loss, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath promised there will be changes for the 2020 season.
Minnesota United's debut appearance in the Major League Soccer playoffs should be viewed as an opportunity lost. A new standard now guides every decision.
Minnesota United controlled the action for Sunday's first 71 minutes, but failed to convert on several prime scoring chances before its opponents took command.
When a team is good enough to make the playoffs despite its flaws, talking yourself into the idea of a possible championship requires equal parts hope and amnesia.
Allianz Field's grounds crew worked overnight Saturday manicuring grass that had been laid only three weeks ago into game condition after St. John's and St. Thomas played a college football game.
All four home teams won on Saturday's opening day of the 2019 MLS playoffs and Philadelphia follow with a dramatic comeback Sunday afternoon. Minnesota United plays host to LA Galaxy on Sunday night.
The stage is set for the first MLS playoff game in Minnesota United history. "Every moment matters, right?" said United veteran midfielder Ethan Finlay, who played seven playoff games with Columbus in 2014 and 2015.
Two weeks after it ended its regular season with a 1-1 draw at Seattle, Minnesota United makes its MLS playoff debut as the home team in a No. 4/No. 5 seed matchup.
The Loons' playoff success, starting against L.A. Galaxy's star-studded scoring power, hinges on its meticulously acquired and highly successful trio of defensive stalwarts.
Jan Gregus was the first of six Loons to return after being called to play for their national teams during a nine-day FIFA international break scheduled this year