Coming off a massive five goal effort last weekend in NorCal, Minnesota United returns home on the back of their first MLS win since May of this year. Sitting just below the playoff line the Loons need to get points in every possible match, including preferably winning every home match the rest of the season to make sure they get into the playoffs. Minnesota's biggest positive has been their stingy defence, giving up only 29 goals in 28 matches played.
However the issue for Minnesota United has been their attack. Scoring just 27 goals in 21 matches, putting them in the bottom five of scoring in MLS this season. Coming off a full week between matches for the first time since the resumption of play, the Loons not only have a win under their belt but also a good amount of rest. That full week also allowed for players to come back from injury with Nico Romero being available for selection again, following missing quite a bit of time due to injury.
Orlando City SC enters Saturday night in a similar situation to Minnesota United. The Lions sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, just above the playoff line, after 21 matches played. Orlando's biggest problem in 2026 has been their defence, allowing 51 goals, tied for most goals allowed in the league with Sporting KC. But like the Loons whose defence has made up for their offensive struggles the reverse is true for the Lions.
Scoring 34 goals on the campaign Martín Ojeda leads the club with 11 of those goals this season. For Minnesota to be successful the defence will need to shut down Ojeda, provided he suits up for Orlando tonight. Ojeda is currently listed as questionable due to a thigh injury and he has not suited up for the Lions since late May against Cincinnati. Orlando does have five other players who have scored multiple goals this season, only Tyrese Spicer has scored more than three goals this season.
News & Notes
Per Cameron Knowles Bongi Hlonwgwane and Peter Stroud remain out due to injury, as reported in yesterdays Training Tidbits.
Full pre-match comments from manager Cameron Knowles can be seen over on our YouTube channel.
Minnesota United acquired German forward Maurice Malone from SK Sturm Graz earlier this week. Malone is not expected to be available for tonight's match as he just joined the team for training on Friday.
MNUFC has loaned out midfielder Dominik Fitz to Austrian club Wolfsberger AC for the full 2026/27 European season.
Supporters will have a march to the match tonight, starting from the loon statue (Snelling & University) at 6:30pm. Pre-match supporters from the Dark Clouds and Red Loons will be at Black Hart of St. Paul and TNE at Midway Saloon.
If you can't be at Allianz tonight, TV time is set for 7:30pm this evening with kickoff happening at approximately 7:39pm. You can watch on Apple TV or listen on 1500 ESPN.
Availability
MIN | Out: Bongokuhle Hlongwane (knee), Peter Stroud (lower extremity); Questionable: None
ORL | Out: Braian Ojeda (foot), Bernardo Rhein (thigh) ; Questionable: Adrián Marín (thigh), Martín Ojeda (thigh)
