In a span of just two months Minnesota United's outlook for 2026 has changed dramatically. From potential MLS Cup contender to all of the sudden being in a rebuilding phase, the off-season has been hard for the Loons and their fans. Following a huge win over Seattle in a three game series to open the playoffs and a deep run by MNUFC2 to the Next Pro Conference Finals things looked like they could only go up for the club. But then everything came crashing down in an extremely short period of time.
Hassani Dotson signed with his hometown Seattle Sounders after the Loons declined to keep him on for 2026, a move that everyone saw coming after the end of season roster update. While Hassani's move stung the next one was a punch to the gut as MNUFC lost longtime starting goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to Inter Miami CF. This move was officially announced in January, but Dayne confirmed he would not return to Minnesota in December.
The next hit during December was just before Christmas when Joseph Rosales was sold for $1.5 million to Austin FC. That money however, has ultimately been re-invested into new transfers. Then the day after Christmas, it became official that Robin Lod was headed to Chicago Fire on free transfer.
Then in January the coaching changes hitting, first on the 7th with Twos manager Jeremy Hall taking over as the US Youth National Team U18 side as their new manager. Four days later, MNUFC manager Eric Ramsay and assistant coach Dennis Lawrence announced their were heading to take over West Brom.
Early Positives
The Loons kicked off the offseason with a good signing, snapping up midfielder Peter Stroud from New York Red Bulls for $475K in GAM in mid-December. Next up long time Twos defender Britton Fischer signed a first team contract.
On the same day Lod's departure was announced, the club got winger Tomás Chancalay in from the New England Revolution for $100K. After a severe ACL injury in 2024, Chancalay wants to use 2026 to return to form after a returning from injury 2025.
The last move of the new year saw the Loons pickup goalkeeper Drake Callender from Charlotte for $450K in GAM over two years to counter the loss of St. Clair.
The Loons grabbed an International roster spot from Toronto for $300K in GAM as the first move of the new year and the last move before Ramsay's departure. Just days after Ramsay's departure to England, Assistant Coach Cameron Knowles named 3rd permanent manager of MNUFC and Josh Wolff joined as assistant coach the following day
Later Pickups
Goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich signed a Homegrown deal on 16 Jan. Winger Mauricio González from Colombian top flight side Tolima four days later. At the end of the month former West Virginia standout forward Marcus Caldeira signed a one year deal with the club. Former Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan was signed on 13 February.
The biggest acquisition of the offseason and all time for the club was the signing Colombian superstar midfielder James Rodriguez. James had recently played for Liga MX side Club León, but was not re-signed last December. The deal is short term, only running through the World Cup, but giving the club an option and flexibility for the full season.
The Pundits Predictions
With the departures that have hit the club, especially Dayne St. Clair's, expert predictions have taken a hit. Last season the Loons finished 4th in the Western Conference and 8th overall in the league. Only one major site's prediction has the Loons finishing above 7th.
- MLS Soccer.com (Apple TV talent) - 7th
- The Guardian - 5th
- USA Today - 7th/8th (7.5 avg)
- SI - 10th (missing playoffs)
Our Thoughts
Unlike SI we do think that Minnesota United will make the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.With the acquisitions the Loons have made, especially after preseason training opened up, the club will only take a slight dip. We think Minnesota ends up sliding into 6th place into the West and getting a first round series that they could pull in an upset it. Major League Soccer is one of only three competitions they have to focus on. The Loons will also have the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup starting in April's Round of 32. Starting in early August the 2026 Leagues Cup opens play with a three match group stage.
With their past performance in each competition, the Loons are expected to do decently in each. Our prediction puts the Loons in at least the Open Cup semi-final, but falling out in the Leagues Cup phase one. Our way too early MLS Cup Playoffs predictions puts Minnesota once again reaching the Western Semi-Final.
![Ca-CAW, the Crows are back for a 10th season and [most of] Minneapolis City's 2026 schedule is out](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2026/02/supercup6-7-25-39.jpg)
