Loons return to MLS play after a disappointing Leagues Cup run

Minnesota United returns to MLS league play after a rough go of things in Leagues Cup 2025. Opening the competition by smashing Querétaro things looked bright for MNUFC. The Loons then gave up a late lead to Club América before ultimately losing in penalties. Wednesday evening at home provided even worse for the Loons as Atlético San Luis dropped Minnesota 2–0. The loss sent MNUFC tumbling out of the competition with just four points in three matches.

Following three days between matches, Minnesota heads into the final stretch of the 2025 campaign with a home match against Colorado Rapids. While the two teams have yet to play in 2025, Minnesota has 3 wins and one draw in their last four matches against the Rapids. MNUFC currently sits at 3rd, fighting for the top of the Western Conference while the Rapids are fighting for a playoff spot.

“We’re cautious of not getting complacent. Colorado are a really strong collective, and while they’ve lost a top creative player [Djordje Mihailovic], they’ll replace him with real grit, running power, and defensive strength,” said manager Eric Ramsay. “That’s the kind of thing that can motivate a group and give them a real point to prove.”

Colorado Rapids have struggled for large portions of the 2025 season. With eleven losses in 25 matches, the Rapids are fighting for one of the last playoff spots in the Western Conference. Even with the struggles Colorado has some bright spots with Rafael Navarro (9 goals, 1 asst.) leading the attack. Defensively goalkeeper Zack Steffen has earned four of the Rapids seven clean sheets. After selling Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto FC for up to $9 million, the Rapids will be without their other offensive standout. Mihailovic bagged nine goals and five assists in his twenty-four matches with Colorado.

News & Notes

MNUFC2 defeated Sporting Kansas City II 3–2 at RCTC Stadium in Rochester during the Twos first ever match outside the Twin Cities metro.

The Twos will host North Texas SC at Allianz Field on 21-September at 3:00pm CT in MNUFC2’s penultimate home match of 2025.

MNUFC’s Unified team will play a forty-minute intra-squad match following the end of the MNUFC vs Colorado match.

The Wonderwall will have a march to the match tonight, officially starting at the Loon statue. Dark Clouds and Red Loons will leave from Black Hart around 4pm while True North Elite will leave from Midway Saloon.

Availability

MIN | Out: Loïc Mesanvi (hip), Hassani Dotson (SEI), Hoyeon Jung (SEI) ; Questionable: None

COL | Out: Josh Atencio (knee), Connor Ronan (ankle), Jackson Travis (groin) ; Questionable: None

Staff Predictions

Ashle Paige: 2–1 MNUFC

Michael Lake: 2–0 Loons

Seth Steffenhagen: 3–0 Loons

Tim McLaughlin: 2–1 NYCFC (who isn’t playing)

MJ: 2–0 Loons

Bridget McDowell: Loading…