Minnesota United FC 2022 Season Preview

Tom Bogert

2022 Schedule

Strength: In Emanuel Reynoso they have an MVP-caliber No. 10, and having a guy like that means you’ll always be able to conjure chances.
Weakness: The attack goes stagnant if Reynoso is neutralized, and the defense isn’t air-tight enough to pitch consistent shutouts.

Ozzie Alonso: Veteran midfielder Ozzie Alonso left Minnesota after three seasons in town, helping usher in a new era and guiding them to the playoffs each year. Alonso has never missed the playoffs in his MLS career.
Jan Gregus: Another midfielder who left was DP Jan Gregus. The Slovakian international lost his starting spot last year after being a mainstay for two seasons and ultimately signed with the San Jose Earthquakes. Wil Trapp, Kervin Arreaga and Hassani Dotson will be the main options in central midfield.
Thomas Chacon: This Uruguayan youth international was a bust on the field, but we’re including him because his departure (offseason buyout) opens a key roster spot for the Loons. Thomas Chacon simply never reached his potential as a Young DP.

Kervin Arreaga: Honduran international central midfielder Kervin Arreaga was signed from CD Marathon this month, with the deal taking a bit longer than expected to officially get over the line. Arreaga made more than 100 appearances in Honduras and has appeared in eight World Cup qualifying matches for his country.
Luis Amarilla: Remember him? Luis Amarilla was on loan with Minnesota in 2020, getting off to a fast start with goals in each of his first two games before the pandemic paused the season and Amarilla succumbed to injuries. He made just seven appearances. Minnesota tried to re-sign the Paraguayan forward for 2021 but a deal never got done. He’ll be a DP for 2022 after arriving from Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane: The Loons dipped into the U22 Initiative by landing South African international forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane. He joins long-term from Maritzburg United in his home country and is expected to bring another dimension to MNUFC’s frontline.
Full roster