Articles by Kyle Eliason
League Two Review: City Blow Lead, St. Croix Draw Finale, as Final Teams Qualify for 2024 Super Cup
Image: USL League Two Logo The final days of the USL League Two season have come to a close, and there were exciting games for both Minneapolis City SC, who had Minnesota Super Cup qualification on the line heading into their matchup with RKC Third Coast, and St. Croix, who had the chance to finish as high as third place, two higher than last season, in the Deep North Division depending on how various results turned out after their final games.
Ethan Bristow Looks to Bring Reliability, Enthusiasm, and Competition to MNUFC's Backline
Image: Minnesota United Another one! Minnesota United’s busy summer transfer window continued Tuesday, as the club officially announced the signing of 21-year old defender Ethan Bristow from Tranmere Rovers in England’s EFL League Two.
Duluth FC and Minneapolis City Set to Revisit Complicated Rivalry in Super Cup
Editor’s Note: Kyle Eliason covered Minneapolis City SC, independently, for FiftyFive.One from 2015 to 2017, and since 2021, has served as staff writer for the club. Sota Soccer’s Dominic Jose Bisogno, who answered questions on background information, exempting a break in 2022, has worked as a staff writer for Duluth FC since 2017. SAINT PAUL, Minn.
Med City FC Earn Second NPSL North Title in Dramatic Final
Med City celebrate their 2023 title win. Photo courtesy of Med City. Saturday, July 15, saw Duluth FC host Med City FC at Public Schools Stadium in the first-ever NPSL North Championship game. The night promised history, something in brought in spades, along with a far bit of tension, celebrations, surprise, and controversy. The two teams played 45 minutes of scoreless soccer to start the night off, but there was plenty to think about before the opener finally arrived.
NPSL North Returns After Weathering Canceled Season
ST. PAUL, Minn. — As far as U.S. Soccer is concerned, there is no recognized fourth division in the United States. This is not for want of ambition, as the National Premier Soccer League does its part to help fill that void. A sprawling league, the NPSL currently lists 90 teams on its official website, split among 14 conferences, the latter of which are grouped into four regions.
Minnesota United benefiting from strong counter attack in first two wins
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Jan Gregus #8 of the Minnesota United FC celebrates after he scored a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half of their MLS Soccer game in the first half at Earthquakes Stadium on March 07, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) ST. PAUL, Minn — Minnesota United FC has begun 2020 as it did 2019 by winning a pair of road games to open its season.
Minnesota United incumbents Molino and Finlay make their marks season-opening win
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC impressed in its season opener, securing a 3-1 road victory over the Portland Timbers, which was the team’s first MLS victory at Providence Park. A brace from attacking midfielder Kevin Molino and a goal for forward Luis Amarilla on his Major League Soccer debut were enough to earn all three points for the Loons.
Minnesota United FC 2020 preview: Club looks to build on 2019 success
Adrian Heath signed a two-year contract extension to stay on as Minnesota United head coach. (Elizabeth Flores /Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. — The culmination of Minnesota United FC’s oft-referenced “three-year plan” in 2019 was the spectacular debut of its beautiful new home, Allianz Field, an appearance in the U.S. Open Cup final, and a first-round exit from the MLS Cup playoffs.
Minnesota United adds former Orlando City defender José Aja
Orlando City SC defender Jose Aja (4) acknowledges fans after their game against the Atlanta United at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field Saturday, July 29, 2017. (Jason Getz, Special to the Sentinel) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United completed the signing of Uruguayan José Aja on a free transfer Friday. Aja most-recently played with Unión Española in the Chilean first division, but found himself out of contract as of January.
Minnesota United FC signs former Columbus Crew forward Aaron Schoenfeld
Aaron Schoenfeld, seen here against the New York Red Bulls, made 51 appearances with the Crew, tallying five goals and three assists(AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC has signed forward Aaron Schoenfeld from Israeli Premier League-side Maccabi Tel Aviv. To complete the signing, MNUFC sent a second-round 2021 SuperDraft pick to Columbus Crew SC in exchange for Schoenfeld’s MLS rights. The compensation could rise should Schoenfeld meet undisclosed performance-based metrics.
Minnesota United loans goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to San Antonio FC
Dayne St. Clair, seen here from last year's MLS Player Combine in Orlando, Fla. was selected No. 7 overall in 2019 SuperDraft.(Phelan M. Ebenhack for the Orlando Sentinel) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC have sent 22-year-old goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to San Antonio FC of the USL Championship on a season-long loan. MNUFC retains the right to recall St. Clair at any point during the loan’s duration.
Minnesota United acquires Raheem Edwards from Chicago Fire for Wyatt Omsberg
Chicago Fire midfielder Raheem Edwards (7) kicks the ball past Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) during the second half at Bridgeview Stadium. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC announced the trade of centerback Wyatt Omsberg to Chicago Fire FC in exchange for Raheem Edwards. Edwards will occupy an international roster spot with Minnesota.
Minnesota United introduces forward Luis Amarilla
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Six of Sunday’s projected eight inches of snow had fallen when Minnesota United FC introduced Paraguyan forward Luis Amarilla to the media. The 24-year-old’s move to Minnesota — a loan with an option to purchase — was completed late last month, and after linking up with the Loons in Florida as part of the team’s preseason training, Amarilla made his first appearance in Minnesota on Sunday.
Minnesota United introduces forward Luis Amarilla
By Kyle Eliason and Pro Soccer USA Feb 09, 2020 | 4:09 PM ST. PAUL, Minn. — Six of Sunday's projected eight inches of snow had fallen when Minnesota United FC introduced Paraguyan forward Luis Amarilla to the media. The 24-year-old's move to Minnesota — a loan with an option to purchase — was completed late last month, and after linking up with the Loons in Florida as part of the team's preseason training, Amarilla made his first appearance in Minnesota on Sunday.
Minnesota United completes loan deal for forward Luis Amarilla
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC’s widely-reported pursuit of Paraguayan forward Luis Amarilla was completed today, with Amarilla joining the Loons on a season-long loan. The loan agreement with Argentinian first-division club Vélez Sarsfield includes an option to purchase should Minnesota wish to retain Amarilla’s services beyond the 2020 season. The loan was completed using Targeted Allocation Money. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout season.
Minnesota United loans forward Ángelo Rodríguez to Deportivo Cali
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC sent forward Ángelo Rodríguez to Colombian first-division side Deportivo Cali on a one-year loan. The 30-year-old San Andrés, Colombia native made 43 appearances for the Loons after joining in July of 2018. The agreement includes an option to purchase for Cali, according to Colombian radio station El Corrillo de Mao, which first reported the loan. The Pioneer Press later confirmed the news. Minnesota United did not respond to a request for comment.
Minnesota United FC makes goalkeeper Fred Emmings its first Homegrown
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Entering its fourth season in Major League Soccer play, Minnesota United FC have finally signed its first Homegrown player. While fans in Minnesota are waiting on news of international signings, the Loons did make the signing of 15-year-old goalkeeper Fred Emmings official on Wednesday. Emmings lives in St. Paul and he joins a Minnesota goalkeeping core that features the recently-acquired Tyler Miller, waiver draft selection Greg Ranjitsingh, 2019 SuperDraft pick Dayne St. Clair.
Minnesota United linked to Boca Juniors' Emanuel Reynoso
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC is negotiating with Argentinian first-division club Boca Juniors over the transfer of attacking midfielder Emanuel “Bebelo” Reynoso, according to multiple reports. The club’s sporting director, Mark Watson, is currently in South America to try and complete the move. Argentinian television station TyC Sports linked the Loons to Reynoso earlier Wednesday, with ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle later confirming TyC Sports’ report.
Minnesota United acquires midfielder Jacori Hayes in trade with FC Dallas
FC Dallas midfielder Jacori Hayes passes the ball to a teammate in the team's friendly versus Bayern Munich's U23 (Courtesy of FC Dallas) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC announced the acquisition of 24-year-old midfielder Jacori Hayes via trade with FC Dallas, which will receive a third-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. If Hayes meets undisclosed performance-based metrics in 2020, that compensation could rise to a second-round pick and $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
Minnesota United signs midfielder James Musa
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC made the addition of versatile defensive midfielder James Musa official Friday. The New Zealand international is expected to provide depth to a Loons team that parted ways with center midfielders Lawrence Olum, Collin Martin and Rasmus Schüller over the winter. Musa holds a green card and will not occupy an international roster spot. Terms of Musa’s contract were not released by Minnesota.
Minnesota United acquire rights to Tyler Miller in trade with LAFC
Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller, center right, clears the ball next to forward Diego Rossi, center left, during the first half of the team's MLS soccer match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC have acquired the rights to former Los Angeles Football Club goalkeeper Tyler Miller via trade, a source confirmed to Pro Soccer USA Thursday.
Minnesota United confirms interest in Luis Amarilla
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota United FC spokesperson has confirmed to Pro Soccer USA that the Loons are interested in bringing Paraguayan forward Luis Amarilla to the club. The team declined to offer any comment on Amarilla’s expected arrival stateside, but multiple reports from South America suggest a deal could be conlculded this week.
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath rewarded with 2-year contract extension
Minnesota United FC head coach Adrian Heath signed a two-year extension with Minnesota United. (Elizabeth Flores /Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Time and a couple more players have been regular, public requests from Adrian Heath, dating back to his coaching days with Orlando City SC. Since joining Minnesota United FC ahead of its inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2017, Heath has been provided with both.
Minnesota United linked to Joe Hart on MLS SuperDraft day
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC selected University of California, Santa Barbara defender Noah Billingsley with its lone pick on the first day of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The New Zealand international was “the one player we were hoping to get” with the 18th overall pick, technical director Mark Watson said. The 22-year-old Billingsley made 69 collegiate appearances for the Gauchos, scoring six goals and assisting on 12 more while playing multiple positions.
Miguel Ibarra's likely exit leaves Minnesota United fans reeling
ST. PAUL, Minn. — In the 77th minute of Minnesota United FC’s Oct. 20 playoff game against the Los Angeles Galaxy, coach Adrian Heath used his third and final substitution to bring on forward Abu Danladi for midfielder Robin Lod. As Danladi was announced, longtime Loons winger Miguel Ibarra, who had been warming up on the sideline, crumpled against the Allianz Field video boards with head in hands.
MLS: Minnesota trades Darwin Quintero to Houston
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC has traded Darwin Quintero and the 70th overall pick in the 2020 SuperDraft to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Marlon Hairston and $600,000 of allocation money, the team announced Wednesday. The split of allocation money is an even $300,000 in both General and Targeted Allocation Money to be spread over the next two seasons. “First off, we want to thank Darwin for everything he has given this club,” MNUFC Technical Director Mark Watson said in statement.
Minnesota United denies declining Darwin Quintero option
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Darwin Quintero announced via Twitter Monday that Minnesota United FC had declined his contract option for the 2020 Major League Soccer season. However, a team spokesperson told Pro Soccer USA Minnesota had not declined Quintero’s option, but did decline to comment further. MNUFC has until Novemeber 21 to make a decision regarding Quintero’s current contract.
Minnesota United's Vito Mannone named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Major League Soccer named Vito Mannone its 2019 Goalkeeper of the Year on Thursday. Minnesota United’s goalkeeper led total voting with 17.67 percent in a close race. Strong showings from both the player and media vote, and a notable first place finish with 25.51 percent of the club vote, earned Mannone the postseason award. D.C. United’s Bill Hamid (13.33 percent) finished second and New York City FC’s Sean Johnson (10.98 percent) came in third.
Second-half LA Galaxy goals end Minnesota United's season
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The culmination of Minnesota United’s famous three-year plan was its first berth into the MLS Cup playoffs, complete with a home game to put a cherry on the top of Allianz Field’s debut season. The evening proved bittersweet, however, as a pair of second-half goals from the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy ended the Loons’ 2019 campaign with a 2-1 loss.
Minnesota United's Ike Opara named MLS Defender of the Year
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Major League Soccer has named Minnesota United centerback Ike Opara its 2019 MLS Defender of the Year. It marked the second time in three seasons Opara has received the award, and the 30-year-old is now one of four players in league history to have won the award multiple times, joining the likes of Chad Marshall, Robin Fraser and Carlos Bocanegra.
Michael Boxall equalizer helps Minnesota United salvage draw against LAFC
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC came into Sunday riding high after a midweek win over Kansas City saw the Loons clinch their first MLS playoff berth. Ahead of kickoff, the Loons needed two points from their final two games to earn the right to host Allianz Field’s first playoff game. Conversely, Los Angeles Football Club had already wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield and the top seed in the Western Conference.
Allianz Field surface to be relaid ahead of potential Minnesota United playoff game
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright provided an update on the playing surface at Allianz Field and the team’s communication with Major League Soccer regarding it ahead of the club’s regular-season home finale Sunday. One ongoing concern is the upcoming St. Thomas vs. St. John’s Division III football game scheduled for Oct. 19 at Allianz Field.
MLS: Minnesota into playoffs after Dotson winner vs. SKC
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hassani Dotson’s fourth MLS goal was the most important of his young career. In application, the 90th-minute tally was a looping effort struck while Dotson was leaning away from goal that took a deflection before bouncing into the back netting. In effect, it gave Minnesota United sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, two points clear of third-placed Seattle while level on games played. “I asked for the ball,” Dotson said.
MLS suspends Minnesota's Kallman for substance use
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC defender Brent Kallman has been suspended and fined by Major League Soccer for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, per a team press release. As laid out in the current collective bargaining agreement for MLS, Kallman will be suspended for 10 MLS games and forfeit 20 percent of his salary.
Darwin Quintero leads Minnesota United past Real Salt Lake 3-1
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Last season, Darwin Quintero scored 11 league goals and assisted on 15 more for Minnesota United. Coming into Sunday, Quintero had tallied just eight goals and five assists in the 2019 MLS season. That changed against Real Salt Lake as the Loons’ dangerman scored a brace to lead his team to an important 3-1 victory.
Minnesota United draws C.F. Pachuca in Thomás Chacón's home debut
Sept. 7, 2019, St. Paul, Minn. — Thomas Chacon takes a corner kick during Minnesota United FC's friendly against C.F. Pachuca at Allianz Field. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota United FC) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United used a controversial goal from Abu Danladi to salvage a late 2-2 draw against visiting C.F. Pachuca in the last of three midseason friendlies MNUFC will host in 2019.
Carli Lloyd brace carries USWNT to second straight win over Portugal
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A first-half brace from Carli Lloyd set the stage for a 3-0 win as the U.S. women’s national team defeated Portugal for a second time in five days. An announced sellout crowd of 19,600 welcomed the defending World Cup champions to the Minnesota leg of their victory tour as the USWNT played just its second game in the Land of 10,000 Lakes since 2006.
Minnesota United attack pushed wide into summer swoon
ST. PAUL, Minn. — When the final whistle blew on Minnesota United FC’s 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC, Minnesota’s attack was tied for fourth in Major League Soccer and second in the Western Conference with 44 goals scored. But it hasn’t been easy going as of late on the offensive side of the ball for the Loons, who have been held to one goal or less in six of their last seven league contests.
MLS: Quintero leads Minnesota United over Rapids
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC returned to its winning ways Wednesday night with a gritty 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. A 39th minute goal from Darwin Quintero proved to be the difference on the evening. A calf injury to Tim Howard reunited Quintero with Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin. When Irwin visited Minnesota on July 4, 2018 as a member of Toronto FC, the Loons’ danger-man chipped him thrice en route to a spectacular hat trick.
USOC: Minnesota United tops Portland, advancing to final
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A first-half penalty kick from Darwin Quintero and a 64th-minute strike on the counter from Mason Toye were enough to carry Minnesota United FC past the Portland Timbers and into its first-ever appearance in the final of the U.S. Open Cup. Four minutes into an announced five minutes of added time, whistles cascaded down from the stands. A Vito Mannone goal kick was the last event to proceed the final whistle, blown by referee Ismail Elfath.
Minnesota United signs Thomás Chacón as Young Designated Player
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC announced the signing Wednesday of Uruguayan teenager Thomás Chacón from Uruguayan first-division side Danubio FC at halftime of its U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Portland Timbers. Sporting director Manny Lagos fielded questions in the press box and relayed that the Young Designated Player would join the Loons pending receipt of his work visa — a process that could take as long as two weeks.
Minnesota United edges Portland Timbers 1-0 with late penalty
ST. PAUL, Minn. — An end-to-end game turned on video review when referee Chris Penso awarded Minnesota United FC a penalty that winger Ethan Finlay converted during stoppage time to give the hosts a 1-0 win. While not called during the run of play, the call came after Larrys Mabiala’s outstretched arm was determined to have interfered with the ball inside the Portland Timbers’ penalty area.
Minnesota United low-blocked out of two points by Vancouver Whitecaps in 0-0 draw
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Winless in eight and riding a five-game losing streak, the Vancouver Whitecaps saw out a scoreless draw Saturday against a Minnesota United side that had taken 16 of 18 points from its last six matches. Normally thunderous Allianz Field was struck silent by the final whistle. Thirty-seven crosses sent by the hosts into the Caps low-block defense represented the bulk of a Loons’ attack that produced just a single shot on target.
USWNT to face Portugal in Victory Tour at Allianz Field Sept. 3
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Allianz Field as viewed from its south-end rooftop deck, March 18, 2019. (Danial Mick Photography / Pro Soccer USA. ST. PAUL, Minn. — The U.S. Women’s National Team will meet Portugal at Allianz Field on Sept. 3 as part of the Women’s World Cup winners Victory Tour, Minnesota United announced Wednesday. For Minnesota United, it’s another step in the organization’s effort to establish Allianz Field as a home for international soccer.
Minnesota United signs French fullback Wilfried Moimbé
French forward Wilfried Moimbe celebrates his team's victory at the end of the French L1 football match Nantes vs Monaco on November 29, 2017. (Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United signed left back Wilfried Moimbé. The 30-year-old is currently training with Minnesota and is expected to finalize his transfer following a physical and the receipt of his visa and International Transfer Certificate.
Aston Villa tops Minnesota United in friendly
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United welcomed Aston Villa to Allianz Field for a midweek friendly and played the role of gracious host, as the Villans’ 3-0 victory was every bit as comfortable as the scoreline indicated. For Villa, it was a successful first friendly after earning a return to the Premier League following last May’s 2-1 win over Derby County in the final of the English Championship Promotion Playoffs.
Minnesota United signs Finnish midfielder Robin Lod
Finland's midfielder Robin Lod, center, is challenged by Estonia's defender Nikita Baranov during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Estonia and Finland at the A. Le Coq Arena stadium in Tallinn, Estonia, Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Marko Mumm) ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United FC officially announced the TAM-level signing of midfielder Robin Lod Tuesday.
Last-minute heroics lift Minnesota United over FC Dallas
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United came into Saturday’s league match with FC Dallas having won six straight games in all competitions while scoring 26 goals over that run. The hosts were kept scoreless through 90 minutes and limited to just two shots on target ahead of second-half extra time. But in the 91st minute, Mason Toye smacked the rebound from a Ján Greguš shot past Dallas goalkeeper Jesse González for the game’s first goal.
U.S. Open Cup: Minnesota ends New Mexico's hopes
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The clock struck midnight and New Mexico United FC’s chariot ride of a U.S. Open Cup run was smashed like a pumpkin as host Minnesota United FC scored six unanswered goals in a 6-1 rout that sent the Loons to the semifinals of the tournament. Four wins in the 2019 tournament — including victories over the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas — brought New Mexico to a quarterfinal that took the first-year club over a thousand miles north.
MLS: Minnesota United tops San Jose Earthquakes
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath called tonight’s game the biggest of the Loons’ season to date, with fellow Western Conference playoff hopeful San Jose Earthquakes coming to town on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak. After the final whistle had blown, and a pair of second-half goals had lifted Minnesota to a 3-1 victory, Heath lingered on the field for an extra few moments before heading into the tunnel. “I was so proud of the players,” Heath said.
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