2023 Minnesota United FC season explained

Season:2023
Manager:Sean McAuley (Interim)
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Chrtitle:Owner
League Result:Conference: 11th
Overall: 21st
Cup1 Result:DNQ
Cup2 Result:Round of 16
Cup3 Result:Quarterfinals
League Topscorer:Teemu Pukki (10)
Season Topscorer:Bongokuhle Hlongwane (17)
Highest Attendance:19,954
Lowest Attendance:18,410
Average Attendance:19,568[1]
Largest Win:MIN 5-2 LAG (10/7)
Largest Loss:MIN 0-4 MTL (6/10)
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The 2023 Minnesota United FC season was the club's fourteenth season of existence and seventh season in Major League Soccer. Their season began on February 25, 2023, where they faced FC Dallas in Frisco. The club played its home matches at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The club failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018. On October 6, the club fired Technical Director Mark Watson and Head Coach Adrian Heath.

Technical Staff

As of October 7th, 2023 [2]

PositionName
Sporting Director Manny Lagos
Technical Directorvacant [3]
Head coachvacant
Assistant coaches Sean McAuley (Interim Head Coach)
Ian Fuller
Goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr

Roster

As of August 4th, 2023 [4]

No.NameNationalityPositionDate of birth (Age)Signed from
Goalkeepers
1Clint IrwinGK1 April 1989 Colorado Rapids
13Eric DickGK3 October 1994 Columbus Crew
97GK9 May 1997 Maryland Terrapins
99Fred Emmings (HGP)GK8 February 2004 MNUFC Academy
Defenders
2Devin Padelford (HGP)DF3 January 2003 MNUFC Academy
3Zarek ValentinDF6 August 1991 Houston Dynamo FC
4Miguel TapiasDF9 January 1997 C.F. Pachuca
5Ethan BristowDF27 November 2001 Tranmere Rovers F.C.
6Mikael MarquésDF8 September 2001 AFC Eskilstuna
12Bakaye DibassyDF11 August 1989 Amiens SC
14Brent KallmanDF4 October 1990 Minnesota United FC (NASL)
15Michael BoxallDF18 August 1988 SuperSport United
26Ryen JibaDF29 April 2001 Union Omaha
27DJ TaylorDF26 August 1997 North Carolina FC
Midfielders
8Joseph RosalesMF6 November 2000 CA Independiente
10Emanuel Reynoso (DP)MF16 November 1995 Boca Juniors
11Jeong Sang-binMF1 April 2002 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
17Robin LodMF17 April 1993 Sporting Gijón
18Ismael Tajouri-ShradiMF28 March 1994 AC Omonia
20Wil TrappMF15 January 1993 Inter Miami CF
24Ján GregušMF29 January 1991 Nashville SC
31Hassani DotsonMF6 August 1997 Lane United FC
33Kervin ArriagaMF5 January 1998 C.D. Marathon
42Emmanuel IweMF12 September 2000 Minnesota United FC 2
Forwards
7Franco FragapaneFW6 February 1993 Talleres
16Tani OluwaseyiFW15 May 2000 St John's Red Storm
21Bongokuhle HlongwaneFW20 June 2000 Maritzburg United
22Teemu Pukki (DP)FW29 March 1990 Norwich City F.C.
23Cameron Dunbar (HGP)FW22 October 2002 LA Galaxy
28Ménder García (DP)FW28 October 1998 Once Caldas
29Patrick Weah (HGP)FW5 December 2003 Saint Louis Billikens

Transfers

Transfers in

DatePositionNo.PlayerFrom clubNotesRef.
November 7, 2022FW23 Cameron Dunbar LA GalaxyTrade[5]
November 30, 2022MF8 Joseph Rosales CAITransfer[6]
December 6, 2022GK1 Clint Irwin Colorado RapidsFree Agent[7]
December 8, 2022DF3 Zarek Valentin Houston Dynamo FCFree Agent[8]
December 12, 2022DF5 Doneil Henry Toronto FCWaivers[9]
January 23, 2023DF6 Mikael Marqués AFC EskilstunaTransfer[10]
February 8, 2023DF4 Miguel Tapias C.F. PachucaTransfer[11]
March 22, 2023MF11 Jeong Sang-bin Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Transfer[12]
June 27, 2023FW22 Teemu Pukki Norwich City F.C.Free Agent[13]
July 6, 2023MF18 Ismael Tajouri-Shradi AC OmoniaFree Agent[14]
July 18, 2023DF5 Ethan Bristow Tranmere Rovers F.C.Transfer[15]
August 3, 2023MF24 Ján Greguš Nashville SCTrade[16]

MLS SuperDraft

See also: 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

RoundPickPlayerPositionPrevious clubStatusRef
119 Ryen JibaDefenderUnion OmahaSigned[17] [18]
248 Emmanuel IweMidfielderSt. Cloud StateSigned[19] [20]

Transfers out

DatePositionNo.PlayerTo clubNotesRef.
November 7, 2022MF25 Aziel Jackson St. Louis City SCTraded
November 14, 2022FW18 Abu Danladi KF BylisOption declined[21]
November 14, 2022MF5 Jacori Hayes San Antonio FCOption declined
November 14, 2022MF11 Niko Hansen San Antonio FCOption declined
November 14, 2022DF91 Oniel Fisher Detroit City FCOption declined
November 14, 2022DF36 Nabilai Kibunguchy Orlando City BOption declined
November 14, 2022FW24 Justin McMasterFree AgentOption declined
November 14, 2022GK1 Tyler Miller D.C. UnitedOption declined
November 14, 2022DF19 Romain Métanire SeraingOption declined
November 14, 2022DF4 Callum Montgomery Cavalry FCOption declined
February 24, 2023DF2 Alan Benítez Cerro PorteñoMutual contract termination[22]
June 1, 2023DF5 Doneil Henry HFX Wanderers FCWaived[23]
June 10, 2023FW9 Luis Amarilla Mazatlán F.C.Transfer[24]
August 3, 2023DF92 Kemar LawrenceFree AgentMutual Contract Termination[25]

Loans in

Start dateEnd datePositionNo.PlayerFrom clubRef.
Short-Term March 25MF42Emmanuel IweMinnesota United FC 2[26]
Short-Term March 25MF34Zaydan BelloMinnesota United FC 2
Short-Term April 1MF42Emmanuel IweMinnesota United FC 2[27]
Short-Term April 22DF37Britton FischerMinnesota United FC 2[28]
Short-Term June 10MF42Emmanuel IweMinnesota United FC 2[29]

Loans out

Start dateEnd datePositionNo.PlayerTo clubRef.
April 27End of SeasonFW16Tani OluwaseyiSan Antonio FC[30]
May 30End of SeasonFW29Patrick WeahFC Tulsa[31]
August 15End of SeasonMF23Cameron DunbarOrange County SC[32]

Competitions

MLS regular season

See main article: 2023 Major League Soccer season.

Standings

Western Conference

Regular season

U.S. Open Cup

See main article: 2023 U.S. Open Cup.

Leagues Cup

See main article: 2023 Leagues Cup.

Central 2

Statistics

Appearances and goals

Last updated October 21st, 2023.|-! colspan="14" style="background:#21201E;color:#9BCEE3;border:1px solid #E1E2DD; text-align:center"|Goalkeepers|-! colspan="14" style="background:#21201E;color:#9BCEE3;border:1px solid #E1E2DD; text-align:center"|Defenders|-! colspan="14" style="background:#21201E;color:#9BCEE3;border:1px solid #E1E2DD; text-align:center"|Midfielders|-! colspan="14" style="background:#21201E;color:#9BCEE3;border:1px solid #E1E2DD; text-align:center"|Forwards|-! colspan="14" style="background:#21201E;color:#9BCEE3;border:1px solid #E1E2DD; text-align:center"| Player(s) transferred out but featured this season|-|}

Goalscorers

RankNameMajor League SoccerU.S. Open CupLeagues CupPlayoffs<--2023 MLS Cup Playoffs-->Total
121FW8 2 7 017
222FW10 0 0010
310MF6 0 2 08
431MF3 0 1 04
528FW3 0 0 03
9FW2 1 0 0
8MF1 1 1 0
833MF2 0 002
15DF2 0 00
7FW1 1 00
114DF1 0 001
11MF1 0 00
2DF1 0 00
18MF1 0 00
24MF1 0 00
42MF0 1 00
Own Goals3 0 0 03
Total 46 6 11 0 63

Assists

RankNameMajor League SoccerU.S. Open CupLeagues CupPlayoffs<--2023 MLS Cup Playoffs-->Total
110MF5 0 3 08
221FW5 1 1 07
331MF3 0 1 04
7FW2 0 2 0
518MF3 0 0 03
22FW1 0 2 0
717MF2 0 0 02
28FW2 0 0 0
3DF2 0 0 0
33MF2 0 0 0
27DF1 1 0 0
8MF0 1 1 0
1320MF1 0 0 01
11MF1 0 0 0
97GK1 0 0 0
23FW0 1 0 0

Disciplinary record

--Sorted by red cards, then sending off, then yellow cards-->
NameMajor League SoccerU.S. Open CupLeagues CupPlayoffs<--2022 MLS Cup Playoffs-->Total
115DFMichael Boxall<--Major League Soccer-->9 0 01 0 01 0 10 0 011 0 1
227DFD.J. Taylor<--Major League Soccer-->8 0 00 0 00 0 10 0 08 0 1
333MFKervin Arriaga<--Major League Soccer-->5 0 01 1 01 0 00 0 07 1 0
431MFHassani Dotson<--Major League Soccer-->3 0 00 0 00 1 00 0 03 1 0
55DFEthan Bristow<--Major League Soccer-->0 1 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 1 0
620MFWil Trapp<--Major League Soccer-->6 0 00 0 03 0 00 0 09 0 0
74DFMiguel Tapias<--Major League Soccer-->5 0 00 0 01 0 00 0 06 0 0
810MFEmanuel Reynoso<--Major League Soccer-->4 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 04 0 0
97FWFranco Fragapane<--Major League Soccer-->3 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 03 0 0
21FWBongokuhle Hlongwane<--Major League Soccer-->2 0 01 0 00 0 00 0 03 0 0
97GKDayne St. Clair<--Major League Soccer-->2 0 00 0 01 0 00 0 03 0 0
1211MFJeong Sang-bin<--Major League Soccer-->2 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 02 0 0
9FWLuis Amarilla<--Major League Soccer-->2 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 02 0 0
24MFJán Greguš<--Major League Soccer-->2 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 02 0 0
8MFJoseph Rosales<--Major League Soccer-->0 0 01 0 01 0 00 0 02 0 0
1634MFZaydan Bello<--Major League Soccer-->1 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 01 0 0
1GKClint Irwin<--Major League Soccer-->1 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 01 0 0
18MFIsmael Tajouri-Shradi<--Major League Soccer-->1 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 01 0 0
17MFRobin Lod<--Major League Soccer-->0 0 01 0 00 0 00 0 01 0 0
Totals 56 1 0 5 1 0 8 1 2 0 0 0 69 3 2

Clean sheets

Honors and awards

Bell Bank Man of the Match

Note: Bell Bank Man of the Match is voted on by fans on X near the end of each MLS Match.

PlayerPositionTimes WonMost Recent
Bongokuhle HlongwaneFW7Sept. 20 at LA Galaxy
Emanuel ReynosoMF4Aug. 30th vs Colorado Rapids
Teemu PukkiFW4Oct. 7th vs LA Galaxy
Michael BoxallDF3Sept. 16th vs Sporting Kansas City
Ménder GarcíaFW2Mar. 25th vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Jeong Sang-binMF2May 6 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Dayne St. ClairGK2Sept. 2nd at San Jose Earthquakes
Miguel TapiasDF1Apr. 1st at St. Louis City SC
Kervin ArriagaMF1Apr. 8th at Chicago Fire FC
Robin LodMF1Apr. 30th vs FC Dallas
Joseph RosalesMF1May 31 at Austin FC
Ján GregušMF1Aug. 20th at New York City FC
Hassani DotsonMF1Aug. 27th vs Seattle Sounders FC
Note: Bell Bank Man of the Match was not awarded after the games against CF Montréal on June 10, Austin FC on July 8, Los Angeles FC on October 4 and Sporting Kansas City on October 21.

MLS Team of the Week

WeekPlayerOpponentPositionRef
align=center 1FC DallasBench[33]
align=center 4Colorado RapidsDF[34]
align=center 6St. Louis City SCGK[35]
align=center 6St. Louis City SCBench
align=center 13Houston Dynamo FCMF[36]
align=center 14Portland TimbersDF[37]
align=center 14Portland TimbersBench
align=center 17Toronto FCBench[38]
align=center 21Real Salt LakeBench[39]
align=center 22Portland TimbersMF[40]
align=center 22Portland TimbersFW
align=center 25Houston Dynamo FCFW[41]
align=center 25Houston Dynamo FCCoach
align=center 25Houston Dynamo FCBench
align=center 25Houston Dynamo FCBench
align=center 26Los Angeles FCBench[42]
align=center 27New York City FCBench[43]
align=center 27New York City FCBench
align=center 29Colorado RapidsMF[44]
align=center 31New England RevolutionFW[45]
align=center 31New England RevolutionBench
align=center 31New England RevolutionBench
align=center 33LA GalaxyMF[46]
align=center 37LA GalaxyFW[47]
align=center 37LA GalaxyBench

MLS Player of the Matchday

MatchdayPlayerOpponentRef
29 Emanuel ReynosoColorado Rapids[48]
37 Teemu PukkiLA Galaxy[49]

Notes and References

  1. News: Kennedy . Paul . October 22, 2023 . MLS breaks attendance record . . subscription . October 25, 2023.
  2. Web site: Technical Staff. mnufc.com. April 16, 2022.
  3. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry . Minnesota United fires coach Adrian Heath amid late-season freefall . startribune.com . October 6, 2023 . October 7, 2023.
  4. Web site: Club Players Minnesota United FC . 2023-04-03 . MLSSoccer . en.
  5. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry. Minnesota United makes two trades; Cameron Dunbar in, and Aziel Jackson out. Star Tribune . November 7, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  6. Web site: Joseph Rosales returns to Minnesota from Panama's CA Independiente. MLSSoccer . November 30, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  7. Web site: Greder . Andy . Loons sign backup goalkeeper Clint Irwin to two-year deal. Pioneer Press . December 6, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  8. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry. Minnesota United signs former Houston defender Zarek Valentin. Star Tribune . December 8, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  9. Web site: Greder . Andy . Loons add third veteran defender in Doneil Henry; club seeks more youthful options, too. Pioneer Press . December 12, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  10. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry . Minnesota United FC signs Swedish defender Mikael Marques. Star Tribune . January 23, 2023 . April 3, 2023.
  11. Web site: Greder . Andy. Loons sign much-needed center back in Miguel Tapias. Pioneer Press . January 23, 2023 . April 3, 2023.
  12. Web site: Greder . Andy . Loons finalizing deal for South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin. Pioneer Press . March 22, 2023 . April 3, 2023.
  13. Web site: Harrison . Jonathan . Minnesota United signs Teemu Pukki to Designated Player contract. Fan Nation . June 27, 2023 . June 27, 2023.
  14. Web site: Furtado . Noah . Minnesota United signs MLS veteran midfielder Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. Star Tribune . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023.
  15. Web site: Minnesota United Acquire Defender Ethan Bristow. Minnesota United . July 18, 2023 . July 18, 2023.
  16. Web site: Wald . Jeff . Minnesota United trades for Jan Gregus after losing Kervin Arriaga to knee injury. Fox 9 . August 3, 2023 . August 3, 2023.
  17. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry . Minnesota United select defender Ryen Jiba, forward Emmanuel Iwe in 2023 MLS SuperDraft . Star Tribune . December 21, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  18. Web site: Minnesota United Signs MLS SuperDraft Pick Ryen Jiba . Major League Soccer . January 12, 2023 . February 20, 2023.
  19. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry . Minnesota United select defender Ryen Jiba, forward Emmanuel Iwe in 2023 MLS SuperDraft . Star Tribune . December 21, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  20. Web site: Furtado . Noah . Minnesota United signs St. Louis Park grad Emmanuel Iwe to MLS deal . Star Tribune . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023.
  21. Web site: Greder . Andy . Loons make roster decisions on 15 players. Here’s a rundown. Pioneer Press . November 14, 2022 . April 3, 2023.
  22. Web site: Greder . Andy . Loons terminate fullback Alan Benitez’s contract. Pioneer Press . February 24, 2023 . April 3, 2023.
  23. https://www.mnufc.com/news/minnesota-united-waives-doneil-henry
  24. Web site: Zgoda . Jerry . Minnesota United transfers Luis Amarilla to Mazatlan FC of Mexico's Liga MX. Star Tribune . June 10, 2023 . June 10, 2023.
  25. Web site: Greder . Andy . Minnesota United and Kemar Lawrence part ways. Pioneer Press . August 3, 2023 . August 3, 2023.
  26. Web site: Minnesota United Signs Midfielders Emmanuel Iwe and Zaydan Bello to Short Term Loans . Minnesota United FC . March 25, 2023 . March 25, 2023.
  27. Web site: Minnesota United Signs Midfielder Emmanuel Iwe to a Short Term Agreement . Minnesota United FC . April 1, 2023 . April 1, 2023.
  28. Web site: Minnesota United Signs Defender Britton Fischer to a Short-Term Agreement . Minnesota United FC . April 22, 2023 . April 22, 2023.
  29. Web site: Emmanuel Iwe Signs Short-Term Agreement . Minnesota United FC . June 10, 2023 . June 10, 2023.
  30. Web site: Minnesota United Loans Forward Tani Oluwaseyi to San Antonio FC . Minnesota United FC . April 27, 2023 . April 29, 2023.
  31. Web site: MNUFC loans Patrick Weah to FC Tulsa . KSTP . May 30, 2023 . May 31, 2023.
  32. Web site: Minnesota United Loans Forward Cameron Dunbar to Orange County SC . Minnesota United FC . August 15, 2023 . August 20, 2023.
  33. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Who shined brightest on MLS is Back weekend?. MLSsoccer.com. February 28, 2023. March 1, 2023.
  34. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Argentine wonderkid, Concacaf stars lead the way. MLSsoccer.com. March 20, 2023. March 22, 2023.
  35. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: MVP attackers & star defenders seize the spotlight. MLSsoccer.com. April 3, 2023. April 3, 2023.
  36. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Atlanta United, Austin FC respond in Matchday 13. MLSsoccer.com. May 18, 2023. May 19, 2023.
  37. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Orlando City, St. Louis CITY make Rivalry Week statements. MLSsoccer.com. May 22, 2023. May 23, 2023.
  38. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Petrović, Torres reinforce potential in Matchday 17. MLSsoccer.com. June 5, 2023. June 27, 2023.
  39. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: DC United, St. Louis make moves in Matchday 21. MLSsoccer.com. June 26, 2023. June 27, 2023.
  40. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Atlanta, Minnesota lead Matchday 22's standouts. MLSsoccer.com. July 3, 2023. July 3, 2023.
  41. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: LAFC, Minnesota United win big in Matchday 25. MLSsoccer.com. July 13, 2023. July 13, 2023.
  42. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Who stood out before MLS All-Star Week?. MLSsoccer.com. July 16, 2023. July 16, 2023.
  43. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Who stood out post-Leagues Cup?. MLSsoccer.com. August 21, 2023. August 27, 2023.
  44. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: FC Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta shows MVP credentials. MLSsoccer.com. August 31, 2023. September 2, 2023.
  45. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Inter Miami, Portland Timbers win big in Matchday 31. MLSsoccer.com. September 11, 2023. September 16, 2023.
  46. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Hany, Herrera & Cucho make Best XI case in Matchday 33. MLSsoccer.com. September 21, 2023. September 23, 2023.
  47. Web site: Sigal. Jonathan. Team of the Matchday: Charlotte, Montréal save season in Matchday 37. MLSsoccer.com. October 9, 2023. October 14, 2023.
  48. Web site: Minnesota United's Emanuel Reynoso named Player of the Matchday. MLSsoccer.com. August 31, 2023. September 2, 2023.
  49. Web site: Minnesota United's Teemu Pukki named Player of the Matchday. MLSsoccer.com. October 9, 2023. October 14, 2023.

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