After a rough off-season, Minnesota United begins their 10th campaign in MLS tonight in Texas against Austin FC. Los Verdes on the other hand had a calm off-season, losing few players and picked up just a few reinforcements. One of those reinforcements included now-former Loon, Joseph Rosales. Minnesota has gone 2-2-0 (W-L-D) in Austin and last time in Texas handed the black and green a 3–0 drubbing.
“It’s a difficult place to play. They want to be a bit more vertical, they want to be a bit more aggressive. They felt like they didn’t use possession as aggressively as they could have last year in certain moments," said manager Cameron Knowles.
The question for Minnesota is going to be how the club gels together after playing just three preseason friendlies. All three matches took place at the Coachella Valley Invitational and saw the Loons go 1-1-1, but outscore their opponents 4-2.
“We just need to be smart with how we approach the game. Of course, it’s the first game, so it’ll be a bit of cat and mouse, but I think overall, it’s a solid team… But I think first and foremost, regardless of who we line up against, were just going to compete and take the win," said Goalkeeper Drake
Austin on the other hand had a bit of a trainwreck of preseason friendlies. Los Verdes went 1-3-2 overall, defeating only USLC side Louisville City, and being outscored 7-2 by MLS opponents. The home fans don't want a repeat of the 2024 season opener or worse, last May's match.
News & Notes
James Rodriguez has received his visa, but is not expected in Austin with the team.
Jefferson Diaz has obtained his green card, and no longer occupies international spot for Minnesota United.
Watch Parties
- Dark Clouds & Red Loons at Black Hart of St. Paul (University Ave)
- Dark Clouds at Beckett's in Minneapolis (Lake & Lyndale)
- MNUFC at Brit’s Pub in Downtown Minneapolis
- TNE at Prodigal Public House in Minneapolis (26th St)
Availability
ATX | Out: Mikkel Desler (groin), Brandon Vazquez (knee), Owen Wolff (sports hernia); Questionable: None
MIN | Out: None ; Questionable: None
Staff Predictions
- Ashle Paige: 2–1 Loons
- Michael Lake: 2–1 Loons
- Bridget McDowell: 1–1 draw
- Tim McLaughlin: 0–0 draw
- Our new audio engineer, Knives Paige: 2–2 draw
- Seth Steffenhagen: 1–0 Austin
