Loons preseason begins and the changes keep on coming

It’s been a news filled few weeks, both on and off the football pitch, in the Twin Cities. Minnesota has seen a drastic and unwanted swell in cold and ice over the past weeks, hitting lows few thought possible mere weeks in to 2026. In the meantime the Loons have been able to escape to California for the first of two occasions over the preseason. And there is a lot to catch up on since MNUFC has been in the Golden State.

Shortly after announcing Cameron Knowles as first team manager, former Loons player Fanendo Adi was appointed MNUFC2 coach on 15 January. Adi and Knowles spent time together in Portland from 2014 to 18 when Knowles was an assistant with the Timbers. After retiring as a player following the 2021 season, Adi transitioned into coaching the Loons U19 Academy side. In 2024 he transitioned to an assistant coach with the first team. He takes over a Twos side coming off their first ever playoff appearance that resulted in a deep playoff run to the Western Conference Final.

One day later goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich signed with the first team as a homegrown player. He becomes the fifth Loon to sign a homegrown deal and joining fellow homegrown player Darius Randell on the first team. Rizvanovich’s new contract runs through 2027 with club options for 2028 and 2029. The 18 year old Illinois native has made six appearances with the USYNT, with three each at the U18 and U19 levels.

Later the same day it was announced that goalkeeper Wessel Speel was once again loaned to League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne FC for 2026 season, though Minnesota does retain the right to recall him. Upon joining Shelbourne last summer Speel immediately stepped into the starting role with the Reds. So far during his time on the emerald isle Speel has started 22 matches, allowed 23 goals, and kept 7 clean sheets. Shelbourne opens their 2026 LOI campaign on 6 February against Waterford FC.

Minnesota then made a splash in the transfer market once again purchasing winger Mauricio González purchased from Columbian top flight side Deportes Tolima. The 21 year old is signed through the end of the 2029/30 season with the Loons holding an option for 2030/31.

MNUFC2’s 2026 schedule is out and will once again start with a massive road trip six match road swing. The road trip will start in Texas with the season opener against Austin FC II and end in Colorado against Rapids 2, who knocked out the Twos from the MLSNP playoffs. The road swing is necessary due to the timing related to the NSC Dome and when it comes down. However this season MNUFC2 plays their first home match at Allianz Field in St. Paul and not NSC in Blaine as they host North Texas SC on 26 April.

Hoyeon Jung also has been loaned to K League 2 side Suwon Samsung Bluewings FC for entire 2026 season. This also comes with permanent transfer option following the end of the season, should the Bluewings choose to do so. Jung is coming off an ACL tear in 2025 so the experience and play in South Korea’s second division will be good for his rehab and a Bluewings side eager to get back to the top flight after last season’s relegation. Jung is under contract with Minnesota through December 2027, with the club having an option for 2028.

And lastly just today as we we’re preparing to publish this, Twos midfielder Babacar Niang has been loaned to Louisville City in the USL Championship for the 2026 season. Niang was a key player on last years MNUFC2 squad that ended up in the Western Conference final and will undoubtedly benefit from a move up to the second division. Niang made a single solitary appearance for the first team in 2025, when the Loons face Louisville City in the US Open Cup.