Heath pours cold water on Quintero starting in Allianz Field opener

Darwin Quintero – Minnesota United – dribbling

If you’re hoping to see Darwin Quintero in the starting XI when Minnesota United FC open Allianz Field this weekend, head coach Adrian Heath said that isn't set in stone.


Speaking with reporters midweek at training, Heath said there’s no guarantee the star striker features from the onset Saturday against New York City FC (5 pm ET | ESPN2 — Full TV & streaming info). The Colombian playmaker, who’s back from a slight groin injury, didn’t make the matchday squad for last weekend’s 2-1 win at the New York Red Bulls.

Bluntly, Heath said he has a “decision to make towards the end of the week” about his lineup, one that was firing on all cylinders in the RBNY road win.


However, Quintero has been a top MLS player since arriving last in March 2018 from Liga MX side Club America. Across 31 games, he has 14 goals and 18 assists.


Just this season, Quintero has three goals and three assists through four matches, partially driving the Loons to a midtable spot ahead of opening Allianz Field.