Prior to Saturday night's matchup with Toronto FC, there was hope that the Loons faithful would see the long-awaited return of midfielder Emanuel Reynoso to the Allianz Field pitch. Thankfully, that possibility became a reality and, while it may not have been the most succinct of performances, the return of Reynoso from an extended absence throughout start the season, was able to bring a notable fluidity to the offensive attack. His addition to the lineup and the flow of the game gave the Loons a boost and a chance to equalize in the end.

The first half saw both Toronto and MNUFC feeling each other out. But, coming out of the locker room after the first 45 minutes, the Loons appeared to have some pep put back in their step to get things moving on the attack. That said, it would be Toronto that would draw first blood in the 59th minute of the second half, as winger Lorenzo Insigne put a ball from the center of the box past goalkeeper Dayne St Clair. 1-0, the other guys. 

In the 66th minute of the second half, Coach Adrian Heath would make two key substitutions, when Joseph Rosales and Hasani Dotson would sub out and Emanuel Reynoso and Kervin Arriaga would check in. In the end, both would end up contributing to another positive result for the Loons in their recent run. Reynoso didn’t show much rust in his return to the field, as his ball handling was able to create more opportunities on the attacking third. 

While the Loons faithful was obviously excited to see el Rey back in the fold, it would be midfielder Kervin Arriaga‘s goal in the 90th minute of play that would keep the Loons from dropping this home stand, and give the boys in Black and Blue a 1-1 draw, and one more point in the Western Conference standings.

The Loons will get their next chance to build upon the momentum of Reynoso’s return and score themselves another positive result when they face CF Montreal on Saturday, June 10 in Montreal at 6:30pm.

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CF Montreal vs Minnesota United FC 

Stade Saputo | Montreal, QB

06.10.22 | MLS Game 17

6:30 pm CT (AppleTV - Free, 1500 ESPN)