In a week that featured 20 games for consideration, two from the Loons family were given MLS Team of the Week honors: midfielder Emanuel Reynoso and Head Coach Adrian Heath. The match against the second-ranked Austin FC saw stellar decision-making both on and off the pitch that ultimately led to the 2-1 win in Allianz Field.

Saturday’s match marked Adrian Heath’s 79th win with Minnesota United. In the first half, his team was a constant headache for Austin, successfully putting seven shots on goal to the Verde and Black’s three. The back four were an unmovable unit that kept Austin out of scoring position until a questionable hand-ball call granted them a penalty kick.

In the second half, the same tenacious play gave the Loons their winning goal when Franco Fragapane picked their pocket at the 18 and knocked it in the net.

Heath ensured his team had fresh legs for the final push of the match, subbing Ménder García for Franco Fragapane, Wil Trapp for Luis Amarilla, Joseph Rosales for Emanuel Reynoso, and Jonathan González for Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Ultimately the decision proved to be a good one, as the Loons held on to claim their 23rd point (out of a possible 30) over their last ten matches.

All-Star Emanuel Reynoso always puts up a heck of a game, and this week was no different, as the stellar number 10 kept Austin on their toes from the start. A constant menace with the ball, in the 24th minute, Austin’s defense opted to foul Rey in the box rather than let him get a shot off — a decision that gave them no favors, as he promptly buried the penalty kick.

Third in the league in key passes (62), Rey was once again the ingredient that sparked the Loons offensive machine on Saturday, helping guide MNUFC to more shots on goal than their opponent, and eventually their victory. 

This is the seventh time Reynoso has earned a spot on the Team of the Week this season and first time Heath has earned the honor in 2022.

See the full MLS Team of the Week for Week 26 below:

F: William Agada (SKC), Julian Carranza (PHI), Romell Quioto (MTL) M: Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Emanuel Reynoso (MIN), Ryan Gauld (VAN) D: John Tolkin (RBNY), Matt Miazga (CIN), Damion Lowe (MIA), Tommy Thompson (SJ) GK:Thomas Hasal (VAN) Coach: Adrian Heath (MIN) Bench: John Pulskamp (SKC), Domenico Criscito (TOR), Cesar Araujo (ORL), Santiago Rodriguez (NYC), Kwadwo Opoku (LAFC), Cucho Hernandez (CLB), Raul Ruidiaz (SEA)