REPORT: Minnesota United Sets New Records in Return to MLS Playoffs…
Minnesota United has broken multiple club records during its 2024 season, earning a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs just a year after parting ways with manager Adrian Heath. Under new head coach Eric Ramsay, the Loons not only clinched a playoff berth with two games left but also secured a home postseason game at Allianz Field.
The Loons’ final playoff position will be determined after their regular-season finale against St. Louis City on October 19. This season marks a significant transformation, led by Ramsay and Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad, who has worked to improve the squad’s foundation. Ramsay’s structured approach has shifted the team’s daily operations at the National Sports Center, yielding immediate results.
Despite the early-season loss of star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso to Club Tijuana, Minnesota’s offense thrived. The Loons have already surpassed their previous goal-scoring record, netting 54 goals with one match remaining, breaking the 52-goal mark set in 2019. New Designated Player Kelvin Yeboah has been key, scoring seven goals in his first eight games. Additionally, returning players Bongi Hlongwane (11 goals) and Tani Oluwaseyi (8 goals) have also hit personal career highs, all before turning 25.
Minnesota has shattered its assist record with 56 assists, beating the previous high of 46 set in 2018 and matched in 2019. Robin Lod, who recovered from a serious injury in 2023, has tied Darwin Quintero’s single-season assist record with 15 and ranks third in the league in assists, trailing only Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta (19) and Portland’s Evander (18).
The Loons have set another milestone with eight road wins this season, surpassing their previous high of six. Ramsay’s tactical flexibility has been instrumental, with timely substitutions and mid-game adjustments contributing to their success.
Although the team endured a tough midseason slump with nine winless games from June to July, Ramsay remained composed, helping the team rebound. The Loons have gone 5-1-1 in their last seven matches and currently boast a 405-minute shutout streak. They are unbeaten in their last six road games (4-0-2), setting another club record. However, the team’s defense remains a work in progress, as they have conceded 48 goals this season compared to their best of 26 in 2020.
El-Ahmad has only had one full transfer window to reshape the squad, and more signings—especially in the defensive midfield—are expected in the offseason. Additionally, the new leadership has made integrating academy players a priority, with young talents like Loic Mesanvi earning MLS minutes. Ramsay has involved 36 players in league action this season, a league-high, fostering squad depth and versatility that was missing under Heath.
At just 32 years old, Ramsay—MLS’s youngest head coach—has found satisfaction in his first season’s success but remains focused on the future. “We’ve shown we can be competitive at the top of the conference with the right group of players,” Ramsay said. “Now it’s about building on that and pushing even further next season.”