It's been an eventful and news filled week since Sunday's losses for Minnesota United and MNUFC2 in Vancouver. More MASL2 matches happened, the 2026 MLS Cup Playoff schedule dropped, the 2027 MLS "Sprint Season" info has been released, and the Loons had some big news of their own.
The Minnesota Blizzard were not in action this week in the MASL2, but the battle for the playoffs continue. You can check out the full recap of the week, here.
On Monday, Major League Soccer dropped the dates and format of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. The format is identical to the previous few seasons, with nine teams getting into the playoffs per conference. The 8 and 9 seeds will play in a single elimination "wild card" match, followed by a best of three first round series. Starting in the second round (Conference Semi-Finals) the format switches back to a single elimination.
The difference in the format this season comes with the timing and dates. For the first time in a long time, if not ever, the playoffs will not be interrupted by an international break. The wild card round will be held on 18 Nov, the first round from 20 November to 2 December, and followed by the second round on 5 & 6 December. The Conference Finals will be held on the 11th and 12th of December, with the MLS Cup Final being slated for Friday 18 December, during college football's bowl season.
It’s official Danny Cruz is joining #MNUFC ‘s coaching staff after a successful stint in the #USLC at Louisville. Tom Soehn also joins the Loons, coming from Birmingham Legion, where he was manager from 2018 to early 2025.
— Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com) 2026-03-18T19:03:16.550Z
Minnesota United have fleshed out their coaching staff bringing in a duo of new coaches. Former Loons player and Louisville City manager Danny Cruz was brought in alongside former MLS player and Birmingham Legion manager Tom Soehn as the Loons newest first team assistants. Cruz has not only played for the Loons but was also a finalist in the coaching search that ultimately named Eric Ramsay as the clubs second manager in MLS.
Not to be outdone by the first team, the Loons MLSNP side MNUFC2 had big news of their own. The Twoons will play their first ever international friendly this summer against the Liberia National team at Allianz Field on 26 July. Kickoff is set for 5pm, with the date coinciding with Liberian Independence Day.
The on Thursday morning, Major League Soccer dropped info on the 2027 "Sprint Season" that will be played as part of the schedule transition. The entire season, including 14 matches and a 16 club single elimination playoffs will take place entirely between February and the end of May. Jeff Rueter has a detailed writeup over at The Guardian and the season is going to be a doosy for everyone involved.
