In 2022, Minnesota United showcased what being streaky means. Minny went on three separate three-game losing streaks, yet also put up a seven game unbeaten run in the dead of summer. In the final stretch of the season, they won just once in seven games. This dropped them down to sixth place in the Western Conference, which pitted them with FC Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. It was a competitive game, but Minnesota ultimately fell in penalty kicks, ending their season. Their leading goal scorer was Emanuel Reynoso with 10, but Luis Amarilla's nine were not far behind. Franco Fragapane provided seven and Robin Lod added six, making for a fairly even split of goal scoring. But, the Loons may very well have some larger problems on their hands in 2023.
Emanuel Reynoso, the Argentine star that is nicknamed "El Rey" and lies among the elite players of the league, has been suspended without pay by Major League Soccer for the time being, as he has not reported to camp. He is currently dealing with legal troubles, as he allegedly assaulted a teenager in his home country in December of 2021. Anyways, on a more positive note, Minnesota has addressed some holes in the defense. They signed 21-year-old Swedish center back Mikael Marques for some depth, along with Miguel Tapias from Pachuca. Tapias is expected to slot straight into the lineup, especially with the current injury status of Bakaye Dibassy. Doneil Henry also looks to provide depth at center defense, he has bounced around MLS lately with LAFC and Toronto. MLS vet Zarek Valentin was also added for some right back depth behind D.J. Taylor, and perhaps Alan Benitez. Winger Cameron Dunbar arrives from LA Galaxy in a trade for a bargain of $75K in GAM. Clint Irwin from Colorado Rapids will serve as a backup goalkeeper, replacing the outgoing Tyler Miller to DC United. Aziel Jackson was traded to St. Louis City SC in exchange for $150K in GAM. A couple of Minnesota players became free agents, including Jacori Hayes and Romain Metanire. The off-season was nothing special, but they made the moves they had to make.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, it's time to at least start preparing for life without Emanuel Reynoso. He is the engine of this team, and it would be very hard to lose him. His situation could get resolved, but for the time being a solution must be found. One possible solution is to stick Robin Lod at the #10 to fill that role. This would allow fan favorite Bongokuhle Hlongwane to start out wide, with Franco Fragapane on the other side. Luis Amarilla will play up top. In the midfield, Kervin Arriaga is expected to pair up with Wil Trapp. The defense could look a lot of different ways, but Tapias and Boxall make the most sense at CB, with Kemar Lawrence and Taylor at fullback. Dayne St. Clair will of course start between the pipes. Hasani Dotson is another candidate for the creative role, he will likely see more minutes. Colombian striker Mender Garcia will also look to make his case for the starting lineup. The depth is at a decent spot, and the team itself is serviceable. There is still high potential for Minnesota to have success in 2023, though the question marks are impossible to ignore.
Projected XI:
GK: St. Clair
DEF: Lawrence, Tapias, Boxall, Taylor
MID: Arriaga, Trapp, Lod
FWD: Fragapane, Hlongwane, Amarilla
Off-Season Grade: B
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