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The team's first high-paid designated player did not start in the team's two biggest games in 2019. The Loons will receive midfielder Marlon Hairston and $600,000 in allocation money.
Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright looks back at a winning 2019 on the field and at the box office, and ahead with an organization restructuring for the future.
Considered Minnesota United's biggest building block just a season ago, star midfielder Darwin Quintero posted on social media that he will not return in 2020.
They are among eight Minnesota United players who will travel the world to play with their national teams during the upcoming FIFA international break.
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.