In place of a left foot, he brandishes a wand. With a ball at his feet, he cuts and glides in a wondrous dance that only he could produce. Emanuel Reynoso’s game is a beautiful homage to what makes this sport so wonderful, and it’s a treat that Loons fans will get to enjoy front and center for a few years more. 

With his new contract last week, MNUFC have locked down their playmaker for three more seasons, with a club option for 2026. If his previous exploits are any indication of what’s to come, it’s going to be a fun time to be among the Loon faithful. As we prepare ourselves for more great moments, let’s pause to take a look back at what he’s already accomplished in Black and Blue. Start steeping some maté and wrap yourself in albiceleste as we admire our number 10’s greatest moments.

10. USOC Game-Winner - May 12, 2022

Not even a downpour could stop El Rey when MNUFC hosted Colorado in the US Open Cup this year. After being forced to abandon the tie mid-match the night before, the Loons came back out to finish in front of just a few scattered fans the next morning. Though there wasn’t much time remaining, there’s always enough time for magic. After receiving the ball at the top of the box, Rey wove his way through the opposition, leaving defenders for dead and slotting the ball past the keeper for an 87th minute show-stopper and game-winner.

9. DC Dominance - July 16, 2022

During the 2022 season, Bebelo has been on another level. This is the first of his braces to make the list, but keep your eyes peeled for more. In what was a good performance from the whole squad, Rey stepped up with that finishing touch, scoring both goals in this 2-0 win.

8. Another One - July 3, 2022

Yet another 2022 brace here. During MNUFC’s streak of scintillating form this season, Rey was firing on all cylinders. When he’s feeling it, he can take over a game and virtually win it by himself. Against RSL, that’s exactly what he did, scoring two goals and assisting the third in a 3-2 victory.

7. 2022 All-Star Selection 

Though this was Rey’s second All-Star selection, it was the first he was able to attend, and what a perfect time to do it. In front of his home crowd, the rest of the league was able to see why this guy is loved by Loons fans. We’ve got an MVP caliber player on our hands here; it’s always nice to see that the rest of MLS is taking notice of MNUFC’s best. At the time, Rey had scored 7 goals and added five assists. He became the first Minnesota United player to be called up to multiple All-Star games, and deservedly so. Keep putting us on that map, Bebelo.

6. What a Way to Start - September 6, 2020

Sometimes the best moments are the simple ones. On September 6, 2020, Reynoso made his first MLS start on the night of his home debut. A 4-0 final scoreline made for the perfect way to begin his time at Allianz Field, and his fantastic through ball to put Robin Lod in on goal was the highlight of the night. The first of many happy nights in the Twin Cities.

5. Colorado, Again? - May 8, 2021

Taking free kicks is an art form all its own. When you’ve got an artist on your team like Emanuel Reynoso, it’s best to just let him go to work. Simply stunning.

4. Bangers Only, LA Edition - July 28, 2021

Give him an inch, he’ll make you pay. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how well you defend, the best players simply find a way to score. Probably Rey’s best goal from the 2021 season, this equalizer pushed the Loons to earn a hard-fought point on the road.

3. You Always Remember Your First - November 8, 2020

It took Rey a few games to get his first goal, but boy, was it worth the wait. After Robin Lod slid the ball to the top of the 18, a left-footed rocket left the Dallas keeper rooted to the spot, helpless to stop the Argentine from opening his MLS account. In typical Rey fashion, a goal wasn’t enough, as he also notched an assist on the night.

2. Golazo Against the Galaxy - June 29, 2022

The definition of golazo? This. Oh yeah, he scored another brace in this game, because one beautiful goal just wasn’t enough.

1. 2020 Playoff Magic

We all knew this was coming, right? One could argue that Reynoso’s 2020 playoff form could take up spots one through five on this list. In the history of the league, no player has ever exploded onto the scene in the postseason quite like El Rey. Seven assists in three games and one jaw-dropping free-kick goal in the conference final? Yeah, that’s pretty impressive. Please, sir, may we have some more?