By most measures, Minnesota United's on-field performance in its second season as a Major League Soccer operation was underwhelming.
The Loons finished with the same point total as in their inaugural campaign, well outside the playoff picture. They set an MLS record for the most goals allowed in a two-year span. And they won exactly one road match in 17 attempts.
Asked about the job performance of his club's leadership, CEO Chris Wright gave both coach Adrian Heath and Sporting Director Manny Lagos a thumbs-up, saying each deserves a "passing grade."
Professor Wright must be grading on a curve.
If that constitutes passing marks, what qualifies as unacceptable? The bar needs to be raised considerably as United moves into its new home, Allianz Field, starting next season.
Season 1 almost required a free pass because everything was thrown together in haste. Season 2 should have revealed measurable growth that was reflected in better results, and yet the Loons stayed in the same spot in points earned while remaining one of the worst defensive teams in the league's 23-year history.
Season 3 means no more excuses. The Loons are established enough to field a competitive roster. They're not playing on artificial turf in a college football stadium anymore. Their new stadium will be a crown jewel that creates a rowdy home-field environment.
At a minimum, United should be a legitimate playoff contender. The owner expects as much.