Soccer Recap 4: Loons Undefeated, Chicago Fire on FIRE, A Look Around MLS, and Nations League
Minnesota Soccer Spot
Monday, March 18th
Loons Undefeated, Chicago Fire on FIRE, A Look Around MLS, and Nations League
*Disclaimer: My takes are not thoughtful, and they are NOT based in knowledge.*
Loons Undefeated!
The Loons own the West! Minnesota United stole all three points at home against the reigning Western Conference champions, LAFC, this past Saturday. Securing ten points in four matches, the Loons sit atop the conference standings with daylight between the rest of the West. This was also the first victory under new head coach Eric Ramsay.
Once again, my lineup predictions were wrong. To be fair, I have made it a point to say: "My takes are not thoughtful, and they are not based in knowledge" (see above). I assumed DJ Taylor wouldn't be available. His injury looked more major than it was, I guess. He maintained his starting position. Other than Rosales being absent, the starting lineup mirrored the previous week.
With Rosales being absent due to his red card in Orlando, Devin Padelford, a Minnesota native, made his first MLS career start. I'll dive into how he and the rest of the team performed in exactly thirty seconds, but before I do that, here is how both teams lined up. LAFC provided the same lineup from the previous 2024 matches, so there is not much to discuss.
MNUFC Instagram. You know the drill.
From LAFC's Instagram. And FINALLY IN LINEUP FORM. AND WITH
PHOTOS? This makes my life so much easier.
The Loons started on the front foot: I'd argue that the first half was an MNUFC-dominant performance. Other than what could've been a Dayne blunder, LAFC failed to break down Minnesota United's defense. As I like to say, the Loons were cooking: There weren't many highlight-worthy moments, but the chemistry in the attack was alive and well. The years Pukki and Lod have played together were being showcased. The subtle passes and movement off the ball between the two of them hasn't been getting as much credit as it should. Throughout the first half, all I kept thinking was "Someone needs to just shoot the ball." It wasn't until the sixteenth minute when an awkward header from Murrillo found the right foot of Robin Lod around ten yards out, and anyone who watches this team knows Robin Lod isn't going to miss from that distance. The first half closed out with the Loons leading 1-0.
My friends know me so well. If only they knew MNUFC's schedule.
The second half was a bit of a different story. Minnesota United didn't have as much chemistry in the attacking third, and the 2024 debut of Emanuel Reynoso didn't add the spark fans would've been hoping for. With that being said, LAFC struggled attacking-wise as well: They failed to create many meaningful chances. The only two shots on target were straight at St. Clair, and last year's Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga was unable to provide the momentum LAFC was hoping he would. The Loons' defense, while scrambling at times, did keep LAFC at bay. This would come back to haunt LAFC as a defensive mistake would lead to Bongi's second goal of the year and a 2-0 lead for the Loons. It looked as though Bouanga may have scored a consolation goal if it weren't for the fact that he was drive's distance offside. This scoreline held, and the fans sang Wonderwall for the first time this season.
Standout Players
Of course, our Man Of The Match, Robin Lod, has to be mentioned. Obviously, his goal was a banger. It was a great finish, capitalizing off of the defensive mistake. I want to talk about the partnership of Robin Lod and Teemu Pukki as well. For those of you who don't know, the two Finns have been playing together on the Finnish National Team for years. Saturday was a Finnish soccer masterclass: The two of them were in synch. I'm not going to go deep into soccer terminology, as I am no expert, but watchers could tell the two of them were aware of each other's presence. A big thing I've noticed with the Loons over the years is the lack of playing time players have gotten together. When you look at teams like Seattle (in the past. I don't think they are as good anymore. Fight me, Seattle fans), you can tell that their core players (Ruidiaz, the Roldan brothers, Morris, etc) have played together for years. With Minnesota cycling through strikers and other attacking players like I do Hinge dates, the team hasn't had the chance to gel that way. It is fantastic to see players solidifying partnerships together.
From MNUFC's Instagram
Another player I wanted to give a shoutout to is Devin Padelford, who made his first MLS start this past weekend. His performance was solid. He played a role in the defense keeping LAFC at bay. It's also great to see Minnesota-native players getting minutes with the first team. As I've said before, if you're a defensive player and I am not saying your name, you are doing well. That's how I felt about Devin this week.
MNUFC VS LAFC Highlights
Loons Get The Week Off
Minnesota United gets this coming weekend off. Since their next match isn't until next weekend, I will save that topic for next week's post. Until then, remember other teams are playing, and there will be a LOT of soccer this coming week.
My guy is on the team of the match day
Chicago Fire on FIRENormally, I wouldn't take too much of my blog to discuss other Major League Soccer Teams. I would usually refuse to give them any publicity. We are loyal Minnesota United fans here. But this game was insane, so I have to give it its own section of the blog post.
After this match, I can safely say I am a Chicago Fire fan. (It's fine, they're in the East). Going into this season, Chicago Fire fans seemed optimistic about the 2024 season. With the exciting offseason pickups of players such as Kellyn Acosta and Andrew Gutman, Chicago seemed to be building themselves a legit roster. The season didn't start too hot for them. Before this match, the Fire had been winless in their first three matches, tying the Union on the road, losing to Cincinnati at home, and conceding a stoppage-time winner against Columbus at Lower.com Field. Chicago went into this past weekend hoping to reach their first win of the season.
My Chicago Fire friend was excited
The match started as bad as it possibly could for the Fire: In the first fifteen minutes, Chicago conceded two penalties. The first one was unlucky: Chase Gasper goes to clear the ball not knowing a Montreal attacker is coming behind him. The Montreal player gets to the ball first, Gasper clips him, and the ref points to the spot. And while Brady gets his hand on the penalty, it has just enough power to get past him. The second penalty was soft, and a call I disagree with. The Montreal attacker gets between the ball and the Chicago defender and goes down incredibly easily. I recognize it was not enough to overturn, but penalty calls like that one infuriate me. Coccaro puts his second penalty away, and Montreal is up 2-0.
The excitement quickly depleted
At this point, Chicago is growing into the game. This growth pays off just before the half when Haile-Selassie scores off a great lofted ball from Czichos. It looked like he might've been a half-step offside based on the replay viewers had, but I don't believe it was clear and obvious enough to overturn regardless. I would rather have goals as close as that one stand than have them called offside on the field. That may be a hot take, but I will die on that hill.
After Montreal found another goal to add daylight between the two teams, the match got interesting. Montreal was sitting at a comfortable 3-1 lead with twenty minutes left. In the eighty-second minute, former Minnesota United player Raheem Edwards was red-carded for elbowing a Chicago player in the face. He is perplexed, and so is everyone watching. It happens out of the camera's view, and my Chicago Fire connection, who was there in person, missed it (Thanks Mike). In my opinion, the call was a very soft red card, but as an honorary Chicago Fire fan for the day, I'll let it slide. This then leads to the penalty Gutierrez puts away. This is followed by a goal from Cuypers to equalize in the ninety-fifth minute. At this point, Montreal would be content with the tie, but I just KNEW the Fire would find a way. The wind was a paid actor: in the LAST MINUTE, Kellyn Acosta's lofted ball barely skips over the gloves of keeper Johnathan Sirois and finds the back of the net. It was legit insanity, and I was speechless for a good ten minutes after. It's an extraordinary win for the Chicago Fire and a win that may set the tone for the rest of the year.
It was an interesting experience being on the receiving end of texts like this
rather than sending them
Chicago Fire VS Montreal Highlights
A Look Around MLS
This week, like every other week, had so much drama: missed handball calls (debatable), late drama, and the wind becoming a part of the starting twelve. I already went in depth with the Chicago Fire Montreal match, but here are some blurbs of the games I either caught or feel must be discussed.
Miami VS DC United: Handball, or Nah?
You didn't think I would discuss this week without mentioning the insane handball miss, did you? Think again. I'm always here for the drama.
I didn't catch this game, but I opened Twitter to see my guy Jacob Schneider LIVID about this missed handball call against Inter Miami. At first glance, I understand: My initial thought was "That is a handball", especially considering Inter Miami scoring immediately following the maybe-should've-been penalty for DC United. While I personally think this is a handball, I don't think it's clear and obvious enough to overturn. The ball touches his hand, there is no denying that. But I understand the argument that the defender's hand is in a natural position because he is falling. It's a difficult one, but based on handball laws, I'm okay with this standing. But Miami fans need to calm down: People are not coming for your team. I can see both sides of the argument. MLS fans complain about awful officiating all of the time. It is not just when calls go Miami's way.
Here's the handball. Y'all can make your own judgements:
Galaxy VS St. Louis:
This game was the epitome of MLS. Non-soccer fans would say a tie is boring, maybe even un-American. But for us soccer lovers, a 3-3 tie is something we live for (only if we are neutral. I would hate to be a fan of either team in this scenario). At the start of the season, LA Galaxy looked dangerous. Their attack of Puig, Jovelijc, Fagundez, and newcomer Painstil is a front four to fear. This proved true in the first few minutes, with Jovelijc finding the back of the net almost immediately. St. Louis has been labeled the team that never gives up, especially on the road. This would hold throughout the match. St. Louis midfielder Tomáš Ostrák found the equalizer off a bad giveaway from Ruiqi Puig in the twenty-seventh minute. LA Galaxy would strike again in the fifty-first minute through winger Joseph Painstil, which would be followed by a world-class equalizer from center-back Joakim Nilsson. St. Louis would then pull ahead just twenty-five minutes later with a blunder from John McCarthy. He and Galaxy fans will argue he was fouled. I disagree. Both he and the attacking player in that scenario are going for the ball. In my opinion, it's a poor judgment call from McCarthy to come off his line there. With Galaxy finding a last-minute equalizer, St. Louis will leave this match feeling as though they should've taken all three points, and the LA Galaxy will be frustrated with a tie at home.
New England VS Cincinnati: New England Looking Like 2021 Minnesota United
Unfortunately, I missed the first half of this match. (I was eating eggs benedict, so it was worth it). When I tuned in, I had just missed Vrioni's goal. All I can say from what I did catch is New England has a hole to dig themselves out of now. With this being their fourth match, they have zero points. What makes it worse is that in this match as well as their match against Toronto, it wasn't for lack of chances. New England failed to put their chances away, and it ultimately came back to haunt them.
Atlanta VS Orlando:
This game was the Giakoumakis show. With one goal and one assist, he seems to be taking the league by storm. Orlando had their fair share of chances in this match. I'd actually argue that possession and chance-wise, Orlando had the better play. But in the end, Atlanta put their chances away and finished with the deserved 2-0 scoreline. Also, that second goal from Giakoumakis is a banger. I am not excited for Minnesota to play them this spring.
Goals From This Week:
Here are some goals I thought deserve praise from this week!
Kellyn Acosta Goal (Chicago VS Montreal): This is the Chicago game-winner. Absolute insanity.
Giakoumakis Goal (5:05): Banger goal as discussed above. Also, shoutout to Lennon. This is a class assist.
Alan Pulido Goal (2:29): This is such a great team goal and game-winner.
Santi Rodríguez Free Kick: Banger for NYCFC against Toronto.
Jared Stroud Goal (0:24): My beef with Jared Stroud may be alive and well, but I cannot deny what a banger this goal is. "Average MLS Goal" as the Euro-snobs would say.
Nilsson BIKE KICK: This has to be goal of the week. What a FREAKING GOAL!
Here is where everyone sits after this week!
Nations League This Week!
This Thursday, the USMNT will face Jamaica in the Nations League semi-final match in Arlington, Texas. The men will look to defend their title, a title they've maintained the entirety of this tournament's existence.
Initially, this was the roster going into the tournament. The one notable absence from this roster is Brenden Aaronson, who had been left off the roster. Since the roster was released, it was announced that forward Josh Sargent and midfielder Luca De La Torre would miss out on the tournament due to injury. Due to this, Aaronson and forward Haji Wright were added as replacements.
Another thing to note is that defender Sergiño Dest will be suspended for the semis due to his temper tantrum in the group stage this past November.
The men will face Jamaica this Thursday at 6 PM central time, and if they win, they will play in the final (either Mexico or Panama) this Sunday. I will be there documenting, so look out for next week's post.
Next week's post may be a day late due to flight travels, but either way, see you next week!
Loons Undefeated!
The Loons own the West! Minnesota United stole all three points at home against the reigning Western Conference champions, LAFC, this past Saturday. Securing ten points in four matches, the Loons sit atop the conference standings with daylight between the rest of the West. This was also the first victory under new head coach Eric Ramsay.
Once again, my lineup predictions were wrong. To be fair, I have made it a point to say: "My takes are not thoughtful, and they are not based in knowledge" (see above). I assumed DJ Taylor wouldn't be available. His injury looked more major than it was, I guess. He maintained his starting position. Other than Rosales being absent, the starting lineup mirrored the previous week.
With Rosales being absent due to his red card in Orlando, Devin Padelford, a Minnesota native, made his first MLS career start. I'll dive into how he and the rest of the team performed in exactly thirty seconds, but before I do that, here is how both teams lined up. LAFC provided the same lineup from the previous 2024 matches, so there is not much to discuss.
 |
| MNUFC Instagram. You know the drill. |
 |
| From LAFC's Instagram. And FINALLY IN LINEUP FORM. AND WITH PHOTOS? This makes my life so much easier. |
The Loons started on the front foot: I'd argue that the first half was an MNUFC-dominant performance. Other than what could've been a Dayne blunder, LAFC failed to break down Minnesota United's defense. As I like to say, the Loons were cooking: There weren't many highlight-worthy moments, but the chemistry in the attack was alive and well. The years Pukki and Lod have played together were being showcased. The subtle passes and movement off the ball between the two of them hasn't been getting as much credit as it should. Throughout the first half, all I kept thinking was "Someone needs to just shoot the ball." It wasn't until the sixteenth minute when an awkward header from Murrillo found the right foot of Robin Lod around ten yards out, and anyone who watches this team knows Robin Lod isn't going to miss from that distance. The first half closed out with the Loons leading 1-0.
 |
| My friends know me so well. If only they knew MNUFC's schedule. |
The second half was a bit of a different story. Minnesota United didn't have as much chemistry in the attacking third, and the 2024 debut of Emanuel Reynoso didn't add the spark fans would've been hoping for. With that being said, LAFC struggled attacking-wise as well: They failed to create many meaningful chances. The only two shots on target were straight at St. Clair, and last year's Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga was unable to provide the momentum LAFC was hoping he would. The Loons' defense, while scrambling at times, did keep LAFC at bay. This would come back to haunt LAFC as a defensive mistake would lead to Bongi's second goal of the year and a 2-0 lead for the Loons. It looked as though Bouanga may have scored a consolation goal if it weren't for the fact that he was drive's distance offside. This scoreline held, and the fans sang Wonderwall for the first time this season.
Standout Players
Of course, our Man Of The Match, Robin Lod, has to be mentioned. Obviously, his goal was a banger. It was a great finish, capitalizing off of the defensive mistake. I want to talk about the partnership of Robin Lod and Teemu Pukki as well. For those of you who don't know, the two Finns have been playing together on the Finnish National Team for years. Saturday was a Finnish soccer masterclass: The two of them were in synch. I'm not going to go deep into soccer terminology, as I am no expert, but watchers could tell the two of them were aware of each other's presence. A big thing I've noticed with the Loons over the years is the lack of playing time players have gotten together. When you look at teams like Seattle (in the past. I don't think they are as good anymore. Fight me, Seattle fans), you can tell that their core players (Ruidiaz, the Roldan brothers, Morris, etc) have played together for years. With Minnesota cycling through strikers and other attacking players like I do Hinge dates, the team hasn't had the chance to gel that way. It is fantastic to see players solidifying partnerships together.
 |
| From MNUFC's Instagram |
Another player I wanted to give a shoutout to is Devin Padelford, who made his first MLS start this past weekend. His performance was solid. He played a role in the defense keeping LAFC at bay. It's also great to see Minnesota-native players getting minutes with the first team. As I've said before, if you're a defensive player and I am not saying your name, you are doing well. That's how I felt about Devin this week.
MNUFC VS LAFC Highlights
Loons Get The Week Off
Minnesota United gets this coming weekend off. Since their next match isn't until next weekend, I will save that topic for next week's post. Until then, remember other teams are playing, and there will be a LOT of soccer this coming week.
 |
| My guy is on the team of the match day |
Chicago Fire on FIRE
Normally, I wouldn't take too much of my blog to discuss other Major League Soccer Teams. I would usually refuse to give them any publicity. We are loyal Minnesota United fans here. But this game was insane, so I have to give it its own section of the blog post.
After this match, I can safely say I am a Chicago Fire fan. (It's fine, they're in the East). Going into this season, Chicago Fire fans seemed optimistic about the 2024 season. With the exciting offseason pickups of players such as Kellyn Acosta and Andrew Gutman, Chicago seemed to be building themselves a legit roster. The season didn't start too hot for them. Before this match, the Fire had been winless in their first three matches, tying the Union on the road, losing to Cincinnati at home, and conceding a stoppage-time winner against Columbus at Lower.com Field. Chicago went into this past weekend hoping to reach their first win of the season.
 |
| My Chicago Fire friend was excited |
 |
| The excitement quickly depleted |
At this point, Chicago is growing into the game. This growth pays off just before the half when Haile-Selassie scores off a great lofted ball from Czichos. It looked like he might've been a half-step offside based on the replay viewers had, but I don't believe it was clear and obvious enough to overturn regardless. I would rather have goals as close as that one stand than have them called offside on the field. That may be a hot take, but I will die on that hill.
After Montreal found another goal to add daylight between the two teams, the match got interesting. Montreal was sitting at a comfortable 3-1 lead with twenty minutes left. In the eighty-second minute, former Minnesota United player Raheem Edwards was red-carded for elbowing a Chicago player in the face. He is perplexed, and so is everyone watching. It happens out of the camera's view, and my Chicago Fire connection, who was there in person, missed it (Thanks Mike). In my opinion, the call was a very soft red card, but as an honorary Chicago Fire fan for the day, I'll let it slide. This then leads to the penalty Gutierrez puts away. This is followed by a goal from Cuypers to equalize in the ninety-fifth minute. At this point, Montreal would be content with the tie, but I just KNEW the Fire would find a way. The wind was a paid actor: in the LAST MINUTE, Kellyn Acosta's lofted ball barely skips over the gloves of keeper Johnathan Sirois and finds the back of the net. It was legit insanity, and I was speechless for a good ten minutes after. It's an extraordinary win for the Chicago Fire and a win that may set the tone for the rest of the year.
 |
| It was an interesting experience being on the receiving end of texts like this rather than sending them |
Chicago Fire VS Montreal Highlights
A Look Around MLS
This week, like every other week, had so much drama: missed handball calls (debatable), late drama, and the wind becoming a part of the starting twelve. I already went in depth with the Chicago Fire Montreal match, but here are some blurbs of the games I either caught or feel must be discussed.
Miami VS DC United: Handball, or Nah?
You didn't think I would discuss this week without mentioning the insane handball miss, did you? Think again. I'm always here for the drama.
I didn't catch this game, but I opened Twitter to see my guy Jacob Schneider LIVID about this missed handball call against Inter Miami. At first glance, I understand: My initial thought was "That is a handball", especially considering Inter Miami scoring immediately following the maybe-should've-been penalty for DC United. While I personally think this is a handball, I don't think it's clear and obvious enough to overturn. The ball touches his hand, there is no denying that. But I understand the argument that the defender's hand is in a natural position because he is falling. It's a difficult one, but based on handball laws, I'm okay with this standing. But Miami fans need to calm down: People are not coming for your team. I can see both sides of the argument. MLS fans complain about awful officiating all of the time. It is not just when calls go Miami's way.
Here's the handball. Y'all can make your own judgements:
Galaxy VS St. Louis:
This game was the epitome of MLS. Non-soccer fans would say a tie is boring, maybe even un-American. But for us soccer lovers, a 3-3 tie is something we live for (only if we are neutral. I would hate to be a fan of either team in this scenario). At the start of the season, LA Galaxy looked dangerous. Their attack of Puig, Jovelijc, Fagundez, and newcomer Painstil is a front four to fear. This proved true in the first few minutes, with Jovelijc finding the back of the net almost immediately. St. Louis has been labeled the team that never gives up, especially on the road. This would hold throughout the match. St. Louis midfielder Tomáš Ostrák found the equalizer off a bad giveaway from Ruiqi Puig in the twenty-seventh minute. LA Galaxy would strike again in the fifty-first minute through winger Joseph Painstil, which would be followed by a world-class equalizer from center-back Joakim Nilsson. St. Louis would then pull ahead just twenty-five minutes later with a blunder from John McCarthy. He and Galaxy fans will argue he was fouled. I disagree. Both he and the attacking player in that scenario are going for the ball. In my opinion, it's a poor judgment call from McCarthy to come off his line there. With Galaxy finding a last-minute equalizer, St. Louis will leave this match feeling as though they should've taken all three points, and the LA Galaxy will be frustrated with a tie at home.
New England VS Cincinnati: New England Looking Like 2021 Minnesota United
Unfortunately, I missed the first half of this match. (I was eating eggs benedict, so it was worth it). When I tuned in, I had just missed Vrioni's goal. All I can say from what I did catch is New England has a hole to dig themselves out of now. With this being their fourth match, they have zero points. What makes it worse is that in this match as well as their match against Toronto, it wasn't for lack of chances. New England failed to put their chances away, and it ultimately came back to haunt them.
Atlanta VS Orlando:
This game was the Giakoumakis show. With one goal and one assist, he seems to be taking the league by storm. Orlando had their fair share of chances in this match. I'd actually argue that possession and chance-wise, Orlando had the better play. But in the end, Atlanta put their chances away and finished with the deserved 2-0 scoreline. Also, that second goal from Giakoumakis is a banger. I am not excited for Minnesota to play them this spring.
Goals From This Week:
Here are some goals I thought deserve praise from this week!
Kellyn Acosta Goal (Chicago VS Montreal): This is the Chicago game-winner. Absolute insanity.
Giakoumakis Goal (5:05): Banger goal as discussed above. Also, shoutout to Lennon. This is a class assist.
Alan Pulido Goal (2:29): This is such a great team goal and game-winner.
Santi Rodríguez Free Kick: Banger for NYCFC against Toronto.
Jared Stroud Goal (0:24): My beef with Jared Stroud may be alive and well, but I cannot deny what a banger this goal is. "Average MLS Goal" as the Euro-snobs would say.
Nilsson BIKE KICK: This has to be goal of the week. What a FREAKING GOAL!
Here is where everyone sits after this week!
Nations League This Week!
This Thursday, the USMNT will face Jamaica in the Nations League semi-final match in Arlington, Texas. The men will look to defend their title, a title they've maintained the entirety of this tournament's existence.
Initially, this was the roster going into the tournament. The one notable absence from this roster is Brenden Aaronson, who had been left off the roster. Since the roster was released, it was announced that forward Josh Sargent and midfielder Luca De La Torre would miss out on the tournament due to injury. Due to this, Aaronson and forward Haji Wright were added as replacements.
Another thing to note is that defender Sergiño Dest will be suspended for the semis due to his
temper tantrum in the group stage this past November.
The men will face Jamaica this Thursday at 6 PM central time, and if they win, they will play in the final (either Mexico or Panama) this Sunday. I will be there documenting, so look out for next week's post.
Next week's post may be a day late due to flight travels, but either way, see you next week!
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