Minnesota United announced today the club has signed midfielder Robin Lod to a new three-year contract, with a club option.
“There’s not much I can add to what I’ve said in the past, he’s a consummate professional, an incredibly intelligent footballer,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “Wherever we play him on the field, he contributes in a positive way. Pound for pound, he might be one of the best signings we’ve made since we’ve been at Minnesota. He’s been instrumental in everything that we’ve done to try to improve and get better and the fact that he has the versatility that he does to play the way he does in numerous positions, is an unbelievable positive for everybody. We look forward to working with him for the next few years.”
Lod joined the Loons from Spain’s La Liga 2 side Sporting de Gijon in July of 2019, making his first MLS appearance for Minnesota United against the Portland Timbers on August 4, 2019. Since his debut in Black & Blue, the Finnish international has made 68 regular-season appearances, 60 starts, scoring 22 goals – including his MLS single-season high of nine goals in 2021 – while also providing 11 assists. Lod has notably started each MLS Cup Playoffs match for the Loons since the 2019 campaign, netting one goal in 2020 against the Colorado Rapids on November 22, while providing an assist in 2021 against Portland on November 21.
This season, Lod has scored six goals to-date, and two goals away from being the club-leading goal-scorer in all competitions since the club joined MLS in 2017.
Internationally, Lod represents Finland on the Finland National Team. The midfielder made his international debut in 2013 at age 20 and has since had more than 50 caps for the national team, including an appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, six appearances in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and most recently four appearances in UEFA Nations League B contests. Additionally, Lod was a part of the squad that qualified and competed in the 2020 UEFA Euro Championship for the first time.
Transaction: Minnesota United sign midfielder Robin Lod to a new three-year contract, with a club option.
VITALS:
Robin Lod
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 04.17.1993 (29 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 181 lbs
Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland
Citizenship: Finland
