Following one of their most complete team victories of the season, multiple Loons would have their number called for the MLS Team of the Matchday following MNUFC’s strong performance in a 3-0 road win over Houston Dynamo. For the fourth time this season, Bongokuhle (Freaking) Hlongwane got the nod for this week’s honors. With his goal in the 15th minute and strong effort on both ends of the field, the Loons forward landed himself a spot in the starting XI for the week.

In addition, gaffer Adrian Heath would hold down the manager spot for the lineup in a return to the sidelines after a one-game suspension from yellow-card accumulation. The game plan he brought to Houston was one that proved to be successful from an attacking standpoint, as well as guiding his defense to a bounceback performance from last week’s loss to Austin FC. Well done, gaff.  

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made the most of his return to net for the Loons following his formidable showing in Canada’s Gold Cup run with a clean sheet in Houston. He would flash the athleticism we’ve become accustomed to seeing from DSC between the posts, making a host of beautiful diving saves, while also flexing some muscle in making the tough saves when crowded by Houston in the box.

And, it didn’t take long for striker and unofficial king of Finland, Teemu Pukki, to prove his worth to the MNUFC attack and earn him a spot in the Week 25 lineup. Notching his first goal for the squad in just his second match with the Loons was an absolute joy to see, as he showed the scoring prowess that has become the trademark during his storied career.

Congratulations, gents! Your Matchday 25 recognition is certainly well-deserved.

See the full MLS Team of the Matchday for Week 25 below:

F: Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Carlos Vela (LAFC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (MIN)

M: José Cifuentes (LAFC), Obinna Nwobodo (CIN), Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI), Dániel Gazdag (PHI)

D: Miguel Trauco (SJ), Jack Elliott (PHI), Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC)

GK: Djordje Petrovic (NE)

Coach: Adrian Heath (MIN)

Bench: Dayne St. Clair (MIN), Rodrigues (SJ), Carles Gil (NE), Thiago Almada (ATL), Ryan Gauld (VAN), Johnny Russell (SKC), Maren Haile-Selassie (CHI), Anderson Julio (RSL), Teemu Pukki (MIN)