Following a 2023 season that came to an early end after tearing his meniscus, Finnish sensation Robin Lod made his return to the Loons starting XI for the first time since last May. And, it’s fair to say that everyone’s favorite archer of invisible arrows made the most of his comeback for the club, as it was announced that the midfielder’s performance against Austin FC in this past Saturday’s 2-1 victory earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday for the opening week of the 2024 regular season.

While the Loons as a team played impressively in their start to the season, Lod played a standout role in the 68 minutes of action he saw against Austin. He would help lead a more-aggressive-than-usual attacking style that the club is primed to implement moving forward into 2024. He had a couple of quality shots on goal early on, but he would highlight the night when he found himself in the right place when Brad Stuver’s initial save on goal was deflected in Lod’s direction, as the midfielder was able to hammer home a beauty and put the Loons on the board for the first score of the season. See for yourself:

Man, it’s a lovely thing to see those invisible arrows flying around again. And, after Saturday’s outstanding showing from Lod, you would have to imagine that the club is just as excited to have the Finn back in the fold as they are moving forward into 2024.

Congrats, Robin, Welcome back!

Here's the lineup for Team of the Matchday Week 1:

F*: Antony (POR), Christian Benteke (DC), Lionel Messi (MIA)

M: Brian Gutiérrez (CHI), Riqui Puig (LA), Asier Illarramendi (DAL), Robin Lod (MIN))

D: Omar Campos (LAFC), Adilson Malanda (CLT), Dagur Thorhallsson (ORL)

GK: Drake Callender (MIA)

Coach: Phil Neville (POR)

Bench: Sean Johnson (TOR), Dante Sealy (DAL), Deybi Flores (TOR), Aidan Morris (CLB), Eryk Williamson (POR), Carles Gil (NE), Emil Forsberg (RBNY), Mateusz Bogusz (LAFC), Cristian Arango (RSL)