Without being disrespectful, it’s fair to say that Minnesota United have epitomized mid-table mediocrity since their debut MLS season in 2017.
They had been winning trophies in the North American Soccer League before they made the transition, but since then, the closest they have come to silverware is finishing runners up in the 2019 US Open Cup.
They have had a few false dawns, showing promise before falling back somewhat, but this season feels different.
Ever since they signed Kelvin Yeboah and found a way to work Tani Oluwaseyi into the team their has been a real energy to Minnesota that we haven’t seen before. Manager, Eric Ramsay, seems to have found a system that works for them, and they are turning into a side no one looks forward to playing.
Their start to the 2025 campaign has been very promising, and if this run of form continues, they might end up being a team that surprises us this season.
Unbeaten Run
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The Loons currently sit 2nd in the Western Conference, behind Vancouver Whitecaps.
This is largely thanks to a run of 8 games unbeaten at the very start of the season, which, although contained a large number of draws, left them with an positive 8 goal difference and 22 points. It was also a club record.
Granted, their toughest opponents are mostly still to come, but they have only lost twice, and one of those was against the Whitecaps who are dominating the conference.
What they have shown is consistency, both in defence and attack. and that’s something Minnesota have been lacking in previous years. They look more resilient, shutting out San Jose for a 0-1 win away from home, and doing the same to Real Salt Lake, coming away with a 2-0 win at Allianz Field.
Then there are the statement wins, like the 4-1 thumping of Inter Miami on May 10th. What a game that was. They were so confident afterwards they even mocked Miami on social media, calling them a “Pink Phony Club”, prompting David Beckham to reply and tell them off.
There was the obligatory goal from Lionel Messi, but even though Miami dominated possession with 74%, Minnesota United had them pegged. They won it with incisive counter attacks and lethal set pieces, outsmarting their much bigger opponent, star studded as they may have been.
This was on the back of a 0-3 away win against Austin FC, where again, despite only having 33% possession they outplayed Austin in their own back yard.
To me, these are all little signals of a club on the turn.
Tactical Changes
Eric Ramsay must take much of the credit for this early success.
He has recruited well and instilled a new approach at the club that the players are obviously on board with. All the more impressive given the fact he is the youngest ever head coach of an MLS team, aged 33 at the time of writing.
Ramsay was well known in Europe for his work on set pieces, and he has given Minnesota a clear identity and game plan which plays to their strengths and hides their weaknesses. Specifically, the team are extremely comfortable without the ball.
Instead of trying to compete on possession, the team are defending deep, absorbing pressure, then attacking with speed and purpose on the counter. Ramsay isn’t afraid of switching up the formation, either. You never know what it’s going to be. So far we have seen a 5-3-2, a 3-4-2-1, a 3-5-2, a 5-4-1 – but he always employs a low block. They are becoming experts at stifling talented attacking teams (as you can see from the 6 shut outs in 12 games so far), but despite relinquishing possession they aren’t far behind their opponents in the number of shots on goal per match.
Pereyra has been utilised very well in the midfield, creating chances quickly with clinical passes, while Will Trapp is solid in the more defensive role, yet still gets forward when it matters and has even found the back of the net. The goals have been quite spread out actually, despite Yeboah and Oluwaseyi doing a great job in their attacking roles.
Michael Boxall looks like he is enjoying himself again, and with Julian Gressel newly signed there should be even more scoring opportunities provided from wide areas.
There is still a long way to go of course, and the 2024 season started with a bang for Minnesota, too. But like I said, this time feels different. Ramsay has had time to settle in, his players have had time to get used to his approach, and their new signings are showing excellent signs.
Could this be the season Minnesota United win silverware? It’s certainly possible if they continue playing like this.