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
October 22, 2023
Minnesota United is running headlong into a new era. What kind of era that will be is still largely a mystery.

No Heath, no playoffs: Where do the Loons go next?

For the first time in its MLS tenure, the team will look for a new coach and general manager on top of the usual offseason roster shuffling.
Loons
October 22, 2023
Minnesota United's Hassani Dotson dribbled with the ball at Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Courtesy of Minnesota United FC)

Loons' season, MLS playoff streak end with 3-1 loss to Sporting KC

Michael Boxall scored the Loons' lone goal on a free-kick header — not near enough for a team that needed to win to reach the playoffs.
Loons
October 21, 2023

MLS playoff pairings

There will be 18 teams in the expanded MLS playoffs, but Minnesota United isn't one of them.
Loons
October 20, 2023
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) looks down after Sporting Kansas City forward Alán Pulido scored during the second half of an MLS soccer m

Loons vs. Sporting Kansas City preview: Both teams fighting for playoffs berth

Jerry Zgoda's analysis: An 0-7 regular-season record at Children's Mercy Park doesn't bode well for the Loons.
Loons
October 20, 2023
Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, left, sounds like he plans to stay with the franchise, no matter what happens Saturday on MLS “Decision

Reynoso's Loons future is still bright despite Heath firing

In his first session with reporters since Adrian Heath was fired, Emanuel Reynoso spoke positively Friday about his future with the Loons.
Loons
October 20, 2023
Minnesota United midfielder Wil Trapp reacted towards the fan section after the Loons scored on last season’s MLS Decision Day, Oct. 9, 2022, when t

Eight-month MLS season has come down to one game for Loons

Minnesota United can advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the fifth straight year, but they need a win at Kansas City and help from another team.
Loons
October 17, 2023
When Minnesota United defeated Vancouver on Oct. 9, 2022 (MLS “Decision Day”), Jonathan Gonzalez (6) and DJ Taylor (27) dropped to their knees in

What are Minnesota United's playoff chances, and how can they get in?

The Loons enter their final regular-season game — Saturday night at Sporting Kansas City — needing a win and help from other teams to make the MLS postseason.
Loons
October 11, 2023
Minnesota United midfielder Joseph Rosales, middle, is working his way back from a hamstring injury.

Loons get healthier, still cling to slim playoff hope

Midfielder Joseph Rosales could play the regular-season finale if his hamstring recovers in time, interim coach Sean McAuley said.
Loons
October 8, 2023
Minnesota United attacker Teemu Pukki scored four times Saturday night against LA Galaxy, including a natural hat trick.

Loons rebound in a big way, beating LA Galaxy 5-2 in McAuley's debut

Playing for the first time since Adrian Heath was fired, Teemu Pukki scored four times to keep the Loons' MLS playoff hopes alive.
Loons
October 7, 2023
Adrian Heath is out as head coach of the Loons after joining the team prior to its inaugural MLS season in 2017.

Heath out as Minnesota United coach amid late-season freefall

The Loons fired Adrian Heath, the only head coach they have ever had as an MLS team, and replaced him with assistant Sean McAuley for the regular season's final two games.
Loons
October 7, 2023
Fans fill the stadium before the start of the match between Minnesota United and Toronto FC Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn

Minnesota United home game not on Apple TV due to Allianz Field strike

Allianz Field in-house gameday staff picketed outside and struck seeking their first collectively bargained contract.
Loons
October 6, 2023
Allianz Field has been the site of significant scoring woes for Minnesota United and former coach Adrian Heath.

Loons' inability to score at home helped doom Heath

Soccer insider: The Loons have created plenty of scoring chances at Allianz Field but cash in at a historically low rate.
Randball
October 6, 2023
Gradually, then suddenly: Heath's firing takes same path as local peers

Gradually, then suddenly: Heath's firing takes same path as local peers

Adrian Heath, the Loons' only manager since their move to Major League Soccer in 2017, was fired Friday. Here's how his firing followed the path of Glen Mason, Brad Childress, Mike Yeo and others.
Sports
October 6, 2023
Twins vs. Astros ALDS preview and the downfall of Minnesota United

Twins vs. Astros ALDS preview and the downfall of Minnesota United

Phil Miller joins the Daily Delivery podcast to preview the Twins series with the Astros, then Michael Rand talks about the Loons frustrating play.
Loons
October 5, 2023
LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, second from left, celebrates his third goal during the first half Wednesday night in a 5-1 victory over visiting Minnesota

Loons score early, but it's all downhill from there in 5-1 loss at Los Angeles FC

Hassani Dotson tallied an early goal for Minnesota United, but the Loons were then run over and fell 5-1 at LAFC in a loss that further damaged their playoff hopes.
Loons
October 3, 2023
Minnesota United forward Teemu Pukki scored another goal Saturday in the 1-1 tie against San Jose at Allianz Field.

Pukki could be the answer to Loons' long, fruitless striker search

The Loons have had a revolving door of players who were signed to score but came up empty too many times.
Sports
October 3, 2023
David Beckham, left, and Victoria Beckham pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the television program “Beckham” on Tuesday, Oct.

David Beckham reflects on his soccer career, mental health and meeting Posh Spice in Netflix doc

David Beckham delves back into the hateful treatment he received following his infamous 1998 World Cup red card — and its impact on him — in a new Netflix documentary series pegged to the 10th anniversary of his retirement.
Loons
September 30, 2023
Minnesota United forward Teemu Pukki (22) celebrates his goal during the second half of the game.

Loons suffer another blown lead at home, settle for draw with San Jose

Saturday night's 1-1 result left the Loons in 11th place in the Western Conference, three points out of the final playoff spot — now just with three games to go, two of which are on the road.
September 30, 2023

Loons ties 1-1 with the San Jose Earthquakes

The Minnesota United played the San Jose Earthquakes at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn. on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Sports
September 30, 2023

Minnesota United suffer another blown lead at home, settle for draw with San Jose