Soccer

Complete coverage of Minnesota United, Minnesota Aurora, the MLS and World Cup soccer. Latest scores, player stats, schedule, standings, game highlights and sports commentary from the Star Tribune.

Loons
July 8, 2023
Finland's Teemu Pukki controlled the ball during a 2022 World Cup qualifying match in Zenica, Bosnia.

New striker Pukki brings Finnish 'sisu' to Loons

The word means "a never-give-up-attitude," the new Minnesota United striker said Friday, and there was plenty of Finnish support on hand for his first news conference with his new team.
Sports
July 8, 2023
Burnsville native Maya Hansen has been a crowd favorite in two seasons for the Minnesota Aurora.

How one chance turned into a dream for Aurora standout Hansen

Growing up in Burnsville, Maya Hansen didn't have a women's team like the Aurora to follow. Now she's a big part of the Aurora's success.
Sports
July 7, 2023
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Addison Weichers worked to keep possession against Rochester FC defender Abbie Rutledge when the teams met May 24 at TCO S

Minnesota Aurora set for USL W quarterfinal rematch vs. Indy Eleven

The Aurora snuck past Indy in last year's quarterfinals, and this time they'll meet on a neutral field Saturday in Flint, Mich.
Loons
July 7, 2023
Minnesota United defender D.J. Taylor, back, and Portland Timbers defender Eric Miller contested a header in the Loons’ 4-1 victory on July 1 at All

Loons, with Heath suspended, to face Austin FC

Loons interim coach Sean McAuley will guide a shorthanded team on Saturday against Austin FC, which defeated MNUFC 2-1 on May 31.
Sports
July 6, 2023
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Ari Del Moral celebrated her goal vs. Chicago City during Thursdays playff game in Flint, Michigan.

Aurora open USL W playoffs with 1-0 squeaker against Chicago City SC

Ari Del Moral's penalty kick in the 23rd minute was the difference.
Loons
July 6, 2023
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, left, battled for the ball against Minnesota United’s Rasmus Schuller (20) when he was playing for New York City FC in 2019.

Minnesota United signs MLS veteran midfielder Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

Tajouri-Shradi won't occupy an international roster spot for the Loons, as he became a permanent U.S. resident in February 2019 while with New York City FC.
Sports
July 6, 2023
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve yelled from the sideline in the fourth quarter. The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Indiana Fever 90-83 in a WNBA basketball

The dumbest rule in sports; Aurora's moment; Lynx definitely not tanking

Host Michael Rand took note of the dumbest rule in sports on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, while also welcoming on summer intern Noah Furtado to talk about the Minnesota Aurora, United and Lynx.
Loons
July 5, 2023
Sean McAuley, right, will serve as Minnesota United’s interim coach Saturday, with Adrian Heath suspended for card accumulation.

Loons' McAuley steps in for suspended coach Heath vs. Austin

Adrian Heath, suspended for card accumulation, will not be on the touchline for Saturday's Loons game against Austin FC.
Sports
July 5, 2023
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill, left, defended against Colorado Rapids midfielder Bryan Acosta when the teams met June 3.

Minnesota's Yueill added to U.S. roster for Gold Cup knockout stage

Jackson Yueill, a Bloomington native, has made 16 previous appearances for the U.S. men's national soccer team and also plays for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Sports
July 5, 2023
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Sophie French, left, went airborne for the ball on May 24 at TCO Stadium in Eagan.

Minnesota Aurora's new path: USL W playoffs at a glance

The Aurora are one of two teams that enter the 16-team playoffs with a perfect 12-0 record.
Sports
July 3, 2023
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Zelena Zbiljic, back, and Rochester FC midfielder Jennifer Reyna battled for possession on May 24 at TCO Stadium.

Minnesota Aurora to open USL W playoffs Thursday in Flint, Mich.

If the Aurora defeat Chicago City FC, they'll advance to the Central Conference finals on Saturday.
Loons
July 2, 2023
Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso attempts to draw a foul from Portland Timbers defender Claudio Bravo in the first half Saturday, July 01,

Loons erupt for 4-1 win over Portland

Reynoso scored twice and Hlongwane had a goal and an assist in the second half.
July 1, 2023

Minnesota United erupt for 4-1 victory over Portland

Reynoso scored twice and Hlongwane had a goal and an assist in the second half.
Sports
July 1, 2023
Aurora players celebrated one of their seven goals Saturday in the team’s regular-season finale.

Souhan: From winning games to drawing fans, Aurora keep exceeding expectations

Another sellout and victory sends them into the USL W playoffs undefeated for the second straight season.
Loons
July 1, 2023
Nashville SC defender Eric Miller (15) defends Minnesota United defender Bakaye Dibassy (12) in the first half Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Allianz Fiel

Loons' Dibassy could make first start against Portland

The defender played 45 minutes off the bench Wednesday, but coach Adrian Heath said he doesn't want "to give him too much too soon."
Loons
June 30, 2023
Minnesota United forward Emmanuel Iwe (42) slipped between two FC Kaiserslautern defenders in Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly victory at Allianz Field.

Minnesota United signs St. Louis Park grad to MLS deal

Emmanuel Iwe, a 22-year-old midfielder, is the first MNUFC2 player to sign a first-team deal with the Loons.
Sports
June 29, 2023
Cat Rapp (20) scored one of the goals in the Minnesota Aurora’s 4-0 victory over the Green Bay Glory on Thursday to remain undefeated this season.

Minnesota Aurora stay undefeated with 4-0 victory over Green Bay

Minnesota scene: The Heartland Division champions finish the regular season vs. Chicago City on Saturday at TCO Stadium.
Loons
June 29, 2023
Christian Pulisic (10) and Walker Zimmerman (3) of the U.S.A. celebrate a goal by Pulisic in the second half Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Allianz Field in Sa

Allianz Field to host U.S. men's national soccer team for a third time

The USMNT will face Oman in an international friendly in St. Paul on Sept. 12.
Loons
June 28, 2023
The Loons' Zaydan Bello (14) chest trapped an incoming ball in front of FC Kaiserslautern forward Daniel Hanslik (19)in the second half Wednesday nigh

Loons battle the elements, rally to beat FC Kaiserslautern

From smoky air to lightning delays, Minnesota United had its hands full in the international friendly.
Photography
June 28, 2023

Gallery: Minnesota United beats FC Kaiserslautern 2-1

Minnesota United defeated FC Kaiserslautern 2-1 at Allianz Field on Wednesday.