After placing third overall in 2015, Minnesota United headed into the 2016 Preseason with heightened expectations. The Loons are jumping to the MLS in 2018. A deal for a new stadium in St. Paul approved. Now all that is left is the build up, which will span possibly the next two years. If there is anything this preseason has shown us is that there is a lot of work to be done.
Heading into their 2016 North American Soccer League season the Loons will have a similar look on the field to the 2015 side with striker Christian Ramirez spearheading the attack. Last year, Ramirez only scored 12 goals compared to his career-high of 20 just the year before.
The loss of Miguel Ibarra to Club Leon in Mexico is going to hurt. Ibarra only appeared in nine games last season before moving clubs, but there is no doubting the chemistry he shared with Ramirez both on and off the field.
Nonetheless, United hit the jack-pot by signing former FC Edmonton midfielder and striker Stefano Pinho. Pinho brings a wealth of talent to the attacking third and has a knack for creating opportunities. Last year, Pinho broke out while on loan at Fort Lauderdale FC leading the team in goals (16), and assist(7).
The Loons also showed their dedication to cultivating homegrown talent by signing Minnesota native Ismaila Jomes. After spending three years at the University of California-Santa Barbara, Jomes returns to Minnesota with high hopes of making an impact at the club. A While at Santa Barbara, Ismaila earned Big West conference Freshman of The Year award, and First Team All Big West. He adds that attacking mentality that could potentially solidify United’s talented front attack, should all of the pieces mesh.
On the defensive side, the Loons have brought back Justin Davis and Kevin Venegas after each inked long-term deals with the club. Both are key to the club’s stingy defense that ranked fourth in the NASL in goals allowed last year. Venegas also was a key catalyst on offense last year, racking up a club-high 6 assist. A two way player of this nature will take a load of Ramirez.
This month, Damian Lowe also joined the club on loan from Seattle Sounders FC. Last year, the defensive back helped Sounders 2 of the United Soccer League earn a playoff birth, and gained vital experience during the team’s U.S .Open Cup run that went deep into the fourth round.
The preseason has generated lots of buzz, as United’s ownership group unveiled blueprints for a new stadium that will be situated right in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. Located on top of the old bus barn, the 20,000 seater will be ready to go in time for United’s 2018 MLS debut.
Before jumping to the top tier league of Canada and the United States, the Loons have work to do. During three games out at Portland’s Simple Invitational, the team failed to register a win, being shut out twice(against Portland, and Chicago), while only scoring one goal(against Vancouver). Despite their efforts last season, United gave up a total 11 goals throughout the tournament. But with just under two years until the transition happen, United still has time to mold its core group of players in MLS form.
To start of the 2016 NASL season, the Loons take the road for their first two matches against Carolina, and FC Edmonton before hosting New York and Fort Lauderdale during a two game home stand. During the spring half of 2015, the Loons failed to register a win against each of its first four opponents.
One key will be the return of Ibson, who went down with a knee injury during the team’s trip to Portland. No timetable has been set for his return but he is a crucial part of the Loons midfield. Though with added depth to both sides of the roster, United could still get off to a solid start with or without the midfielder.
Minnesota United kicks off the season against the Carolina Railhawks on April 2nd. In the Twin Cities you can view each game on MyFox 29, with the game being available to fans outside the market on ESPN 3.
