Author: Jon Marthaler
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MNUFC in the Northwest? Four Increasingly-Unlikely Options for 2023 MLS Realignment
We’re nearing the end of the MLS season, and when the dust finally settles and a champion is crowned, it’ll be time for the one event that grips the entire soccer world, bringing people from every corner of the globe together into one community! Of course I am talking about the MLS offseason. And this […]
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What’s wrong with Minnesota United?
Across the state of Minnesota, from Warroad to Caledonia and Luverne to Grand Marais, a cry has gone up: what’s wrong with Minnesota United? What happened to the team that won eight out of eleven games, that rocketed from below the playoff line into contention, briefly, for a top-three spot in the Western Conference? Where […]
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Silver linin(xG): Underlying numbers paint a better picture for MNUFC
I’ve got something shocking to tell you: according to the underlying “Expected Goals” numbers, the Loons just had their best stretch of the year. I can hear you now: Game’s not played on a spreadsheet, mate! Duly noted. Also noted: the only statistic that counts in the standings is the one that shows that Minnesota’s […]
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The Loons don’t have a crisis, but another bounce-back opportunity
It’s been a rough few days for Minnesota United. Fans could be forgiven for pressing their panic buttons. Right on the heels of one of the most successful runs in Loons history, Minnesota had one of their worst weeks of the past few years. Let’s recap: Disaster! It’s panic time! LOONS IN CRISIS, SEASON ON […]
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Brent Kallman steps again to the fore (or back) for Minnesota United
The thing about Brent Kallman is that Minnesota used to have a lot of guys like Brent Kallman, and no, I don’t mean “guys named Kallman.” Although that is part of the story too, part of the reason why Brent Kallman is a link to Minnesota soccer’s past. There is the obvious, of course. Of […]
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The death of MNUFC attendance excuses
I’m as guilty as anyone. I know all the excuses by heart. After all, everyone knows that you can’t expect people to attend a soccer game when it’s raining. Or when the weather’s too nice. Or when the Twins are playing. Or when the Vikings are playing. Or when the State Fair is happening. And […]
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Once a Weakness, Minnesota United’s Pace is Now a Major Strength
Minnesota United used to have to make up for its lack of speed. Now, their pace is one of their biggest strengths, writes Jon Marthaler.
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Marthaler: The Joy of Emanuel Reynoso Can’t Be Overstated
The joy of Emanuel Reynoso is when he’s on the ball. There was a moment, in the second half of Minnesota’s 2-1 win against Nashville, when Reynoso forgot to pretend that his play was only about creating an offensive chance. In the corner, he stood up, facing Nashville’s Shaq Moore, put his right foot on […]
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Loons still might be worried about goalkeeping this season
It’s been a big week for Minnesota United transfer news, most of which is yet to be officially announced. Ménder García is on his way in as the Loons’ 140th Designated Player striker in the past three years. Jonathan González, the former U.S. youth international who switched to play for Mexico, seems to be on […]
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Everton, MNUFC, and the misery of fandom
If you happen to be, by birth or by luck or by your own provenance, a fan of Everton Football Club, then you’ve done pretty well for yourself over the years. The odds, certainly if you are reading this, are that you are too young to remember the last time Everton won the league in […]