After a bit of a rough outing that ultimately ended in a draw, last week in Austin, the Loons return home to Minnesota for their first home clash of 2026. Minnesota United hosts FC Cincinnati for the third time since 2022. MNUFC will have some new players available, such as Colombian star James Rodriguez, for tonight's match. Though it is ultimately a waiting game of when he will debut for the club.
"Over the last two [to] three years in MLS, they've been really the gold standard," said MNUFC manager Cameron Knowles. "It's a great test for our guys. But I think there's opportunity for us."
Another key for Minnesota will be breaking down that tough FC Cincy defensive effort. In three competitive matches this season, they have allowed zero goals. That includes a 2–0 win over Atlanta last week in the Knifey Lions home opener. The Loons have their work cut out for them against one of the best in the Eastern Conference and a team they have not beaten since 2020. Most of our staff on the other hand are confident in a Loons win tonight though. (see predictions below)
"I don't think it matters who's in their eleven, they're so drilled at what they do," said defender Michael Boxall on Friday. "I think the last three [to] four years they've been super consistent. Always hard to beat, hard to break down."
FC Cincinnati comes into their second match of the MLS season and fourth overall on a tear. The Lions are unbeaten in three matches played and have scored 15 goals in those matches. "FCC had the luxury of playing an O&M FC team that was out of its depth," Cincinnati Soccer Talk's Geoff Tebbetts told us "Noonan unleashed his designated players for the first leg and pulled them early."
Obi Nwobodo has come back strong from injury this season, having already contributed with 5 assists in the three matches played.
News & Notes
Allianz Field has quite a few new foods on offer
Insight on FC Cincinnati from the folks at Cincy Soccer Talk
Two more Loons loaned out to USL Championship clubs
The Loons have signed Twos forward Troy Putt to his second (of four) short term agreements this season
No March to the Match
Availability
MIN | Out: None ; Questionable: None
CIN | Out: Kristian Fletcher (knee) ; Questionable: Evander (leg)
Staff Predictions
- Seth Steffenhagen: 3–1 Loons!
- Michael Lake: "What Seth said" [3–1 MIN)
- Ashle Paige: 1–1 draw
- Knives Paige: 2–1 Loons
- Tim McLaughlin: 1–0 Cincinnati
- Bridget McDowell: 2–1 Loons
