Minnesota United returns to regular-season action this Saturday afternoon, as the Loons kick off their 2022 campaign in a road matchup at Philadelphia Union. Last season, Minnesota United finished fifth in the Western Conference, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs, before suffering an early playoff exit in a bitter loss against the Portland Timbers.
But it’s a new year. There are new faces at the club and fresh optimism surrounding MNUFC. Before the season kicks off this Saturday, let’s take a look at your new-look Loons and expectations for the 2022 season.
More offense, more goals?
Last season the Loons, who had one of the oldest rosters in the MLS, ranked 11th out of 13 teams in the Western Conference in goals scored. This offseason they got younger as they bolstered their attacking options.
26-year-old Abu Danladi, a 2017 draft pick, who has battled injuries early in his MLS career, will certainly have his chances at the starting forward position following a strong showing in the offseason. He’ll face competition from a fellow 26-year-old in Paraguayan forward, Luis Amarilla, who returns to the club after a year on loan to LDU Quito in Ecuador; as well as 21-year-old new South African signing, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who comes in looking to impress; and veteran 28-year-old Adrien Hunou, who looks to build upon a seven-goal campaign in a partial-season after joining the team last spring.
Adding those talents to the electrifying Reynoso, the team’s talisman who can shift the momentum of a game at any given moment, alongside wingers Robin Lod, who led the team in scoring last season with nine goals, and Franco Fragapane, who scored six, Coach Heath has fresher legs and a deeper pool of talent to select from this season.
Who’s our #1?
Heading into Saturday’s match there are still some doubts on who will be the Loons #1 goalkeeper this season. Since 2020, the battle for the top spot between the posts has been one of the main talking points for Minnesota United FC.
The club has been spoiled with two great options in Tyler Miller, who started 30 matches last season, and Dayne St. Clair, who began last season as the team’s starting keeper and has also featured as the starting goalkeeper for the Canadian men’s national soccer team.
This preseason, both Miller and St. Clair have featured. As of today, there appears to be some momentum swinging in Miller’s favor with Coach Heath saying after a recent draw against Real Salt lake, “I think this position is still Tyler’s to lose.”
Saturday should provide some answers on who will lead the Loons in goal, but this will certainly be a matchup to watch closely as the season unfolds. Should Miller get the nod to start the season, don’t count out St. Clair to provide significant contributions throughout the year.
While Tyler Miller and Dayne St. Clair have certainly garnered most of the attention, the Loons have even more depth waiting in the wings with offseason signing, Erick Dick, and 18-year-old homegrown player, Fred Emmings, waiting for their chance to suit up.
Goals for the 2022 MLS Season
Last season, MNUFC finished 5th in the western conference with a 13-11-10 record. They faced the Portland Timbers in a tightly-contested opening match they ultimately lost 3-1. With the early exit surely in mind, Coach Adrian Heath and Minnesota United FC will look to improve on last year’s record, secure a home playoff match and make a deeper push in the playoffs.
We should expect the 4-2-3-1 formation to remain Coach Heath’s preferred line-up for the season. Historically, defense has been the Loons identity. With Heath at the helm, it's doubtful this will change, but MNUFC will be hoping its new additions adapt quickly and provide a much needed scoring punch.
The march towards the MLS Cup Playoffs begins this Saturday as your Loons head on the road to face the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park at noon CT.
