Coming into the second match of the competition, neither club are coming off regulation wins. The Loons coming into Friday night off a 2–1 loss to Juárez and for Tigres a penalty shootout win over RSL.
After Tuesday night it is now eight in eight consecutive matches, which include losses to Sporting Kansas City and FC Juárez. Minnesota has continued to have trouble scoring and are currently on track to score less goals in all competitions in 2026 than they did in just MLS last season. Following the match manager Cameron Knowles said this of what the Loons had to do in the next few days.
“We have to dust ourselves off quick. We have to review the game, like we do every time, review the performance, but really it takes what it takes to win a game and the small margins we are seeing really tip the balance. So we have to be really focused in the way we train, in the way we evaluate the game and then prepare for the next one."
Tigres are in a very similar position to Juárez on Tuesday. No regulation wins in their last seven matches. In that span Tigres has only scored seven goals, averaging just one per match and have allowed 12 goals. At the end of July manager Guido Pizarro left club and is his stead U21 coach Hernán Elizondo has taken over as interim manager. However the biggest problem for MNUFC will be Tigres offensive weapong Juan Brunetta. The Argentine has racked up 43 goals and 31 assists since joining Tigres. If Brunetta is left to his own devices, it will be a long night for MNUFC.
News & Notes
Nectarios Triantis and Nicolás Romero remain out due to injury, per Cameron Knowles the pair are still being worked into full training following injuries sustained over the summer.
Per reporting from Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press, the Loons are looking at bringing back attacking midfielder Aziel (AZ) Jackson. The 24 year old is currently contracted to Polish top flight side Jagiellonia Białystok and was recently loaned out to Vancouver Whitecaps.
Prior to the match supporters from Dark Clouds & Red Loons will gather at Black Hart of St. Paul and TNE at the Midway Saloon.
TV time is set for 8:00pm this evening with kickoff happening at approximately 8:10pm. If you aren't there in person you can watch on Apple TV.
Availability
MIN | Out: Nicolás Romero (lower extremity), Nectarios Triantis (lower extremity); Questionable: Peter Stroud
TIG | Out: N/A ; Questionable: N/A
Staff Predictions
- Leo Bickelhaupt: 3–1 Tigres
- Ashle Paige: 2–0 Tigres
- Tim McLaughlin: Loading . . .
- Seth Steffenhagen: Loading . . .
- Michael Lake: Loading . . .
- Bridget McDowell: Loading . . .
- Knives Paige: Loading . . .
