After arriving in town this past weekend, Loons newcomer Ethan Finlay got right to work with the squad to start the week. On the pitch at the National Sports Center in Blaine, the players worked in smaller units, with Finlay showing off his relentless energy and ballhandling acumen as he worked to quickly build chemistry with his new teammates.

“I think for me, it’s just trying to get accustomed to what other guys like to do,” he said. “Their tendencies. And then obviously as a whole: how they like to play, and what they're going to do. And I think that I can offer a lot of different movements, getting in behind defenses and getting in pockets. Combining with players. So for me, it’s a lot of off-the-ball movement and then a lot of times, you need someone to pass to you to get in those positions. It’s trying to let those guys see what I’m trying to do, as well as try to see what their tendencies are so I can help them in their game.”

“I’ve never made any sort of qualms about saying that he’s one of my favorite players,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath, speaking on Finlay. “So we’re delighted to get him. He knows the role that I want him to play. He’s very smart. Incredibly full of running. Plays with enthusiasm. A lot of desire. He epitomizes really the type of player that I want to try and bring into the club — he’s full of effort.”

Finlay, who wore #13 with Columbus Crew SC, was given leave to use the number by the currently rehabbing Thomas de Villardi, who will switch to #31.

Minnesota United’s next home match is a tilt with Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 9 at TCF Bank Stadium. The teams kick off at 7:00 p.m. 41 years of soccer in Minnesota means $41 gets you a deposit on season tickets for 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium — and seating priority for 2019 at Allianz Field. Buy match tickets for this season or make deposits on season tickets for the next at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.