Alex Bader
Minnesota United has proven themselves as playoff contenders every year even though they only will be in their 6th season and this upcoming season will be no different. I project them to finish third in the western conference.
BADER'S TAKE:
Anything less than the top four in the West would be a disappointment.
They mainly have a returning roster from last year when they finished 5th. They went and brought back the Paraguayan striker, Luis Amarilla, as a designated player on a two-year contract.
His signing improves an area that has plagued the Loons and that is the ability to score goals. The Loons have had issues with scoring goals in the past, especially in the playoffs - they scored one goal in their playoff loss to Portland in 2021. Amarilla had a 15-goal season in 2021 with Liga Deportiva Universitaria.
Now the Loons have Patrick Weah, Franco Fragapane, Abu Danladi, and Amarilla at depth for their striker pairings. If an injury occurs, they have the depth for the next guy to step up without missing a beat.
I expect Amarilla to get the majority of starts as long as he is healthy and in good form.
Minnesota also has several strong midfielders returning for the 2022 season; Will Trapp, Hassani Dotson, Robin Lod, Adrien Hunou, Jacori Hayes, and of course the magician of it all, Emanuel Reynoso.
These guys can take over a game at any moment, especially Reynoso. There is a reason why the Loons went all out to get him because he can change the direction of a game. He has extremely good footwork and dribbling skills. His awareness and passing ability can be out of this world. On top of that, he has an incredible shot and can score goals at will.
They have depth guys like Niko Hansen, Justin-McMaster, homegrown guy Ariel Jackson, and Joseph Rosales. All are capable of stepping up if called upon.
They did lose the homegrown and longtime Loon, Ethan Finlay, who signed with Austin FC in the offseason. They also lost Osvaldo Alonso who signed a one-year contract with Atlanta United. They will both be big losses, but MNUFC have built themselves to be able to withstand the loss and be just as competitive. Both guys were more of substitutes later in the season.
They have strong defenders returning in Brent Kallman, Michael Boxall, Chase Gasper, Romain Métanire, and Bakaye Dibassy. These guys are the Wonderwall at the back. They have the experience and skill to lead the team from the back to a long and fruitful season.
last but not least, the goalie. Never forget the guy in the box putting his body on the line to save a goal. The Loons have excellent goalies returning for the 2022 season. They have their starter Tyler Miller who is a rock in the back and was even better in 2021 when he was coming back from a back injury.
They have depth guys like Dayne St. Claire, Fred Emmings, and Eric Dick. St. Claire was excellent when he was called upon when Miller got injured so if he was needed at any point this season the level of play would not drop.
I could also see the Loons using St. Claire as money and try to trade him for a winger where they could be a little weak if injuries occurred. Minnesota doesn't need to have four keepers rostered so it will be interesting to see what happens. I would hate to lose St. Claire as he is ridiculously good, but if we got a decent return I would be okay with it, just depends on if and who they would get for him.
I expect their Starting lineup (barring any injuries) to be:
Tyler Miller (GK)
Chase gasper (RB)
Michael Boxall (CB)
Brent Kallman (CB)
Romain Métanire (LB)
Will Trapp (CDM)
Hassani Dotson (CDM)
Robin Lod (RM)
Emanuel Reynoso (CAM)
Adrien Hunou (LM)
Luis Amarilla (F)
That is a scary starting lineup with a lot of talent and speed.
This is my expected final standings for the West (top 7 make playoffs):
Seattle Sounders
Portland Trailblazers
Minnesota United
Sporting KC
Colorado Rapids
LAFC
Real Salt Lake
LA Galaxy
Vancouver
Austin FC
I do expect it to be extremely close and tight just like it was last year. Every point will be crucial.
The Loons had one win, one loss, and three draws in the preseason matches.
Season Opener:
The Minnesota United Loons open their season in Philadelphia against the Union this Saturday, Feb. 26th starting at noon.
Minnesota was the 3-2 victors last time these two teams faced each other late last season in October at Allianz. It was a critical win for the Loons who were fighting for their playoff lives.
The Union finished last season in second place in the East but lost a heartbreaker in the conference finals to New York FC. They will be looking to get back to the conference finals this year and make it to the cup final.
I expect the Loons to go in and steal the season opener from the Union. This group of Loon players has the skill, talent, and desire to go all the way this season.
They must be ready and they have to start quick and fast. They got off to a slow start last season and had to play catch up much of the summer and fall. If they can get off to a hot start they will put themselves in a great position to be contenders come July.
It all starts on Saturday in what will be a season to remember for MNUFC.
Please share with friends and family!
Check our Social Media to stay up to date!
Subscribe to the email list for free to stay up to date!
Did you enjoy the Article? Let me know your thoughts!
(a profile is required to comment and they are free and easy to make. A profile is not required to subscribe or to like or share!)
Complete Schedule:
Comments