Loons Loan Joe Greenspan

Minnesota United announced today that the club had loaned defender Joe Greenspan to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer League (USL) today. Greenspan had yet to appear for the Loons in the regular season.

Greenspan was acquired early in the preseasonfrom the Colorado Rapids for the Loons’ natural third-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The huge defender was a second round pick of the Rapids in the 2015 SuperDraft straight out of the Naval Academy.

E Pluribus Loonum’s Brad Omland has previously written about how Greenspan’s military duty may affect his MLS career.

Greenspan appeared in the preseason for the Loons but had been dealing with some injuries so far this season. That is likely what was keeping him on the sideline. Letting him leave on loan allows for him to hopefully see some first-team action. I think the loan makes some sense. On one hand, the team is giving away depth at CB and defensive depth is a huge issue right now. But on the other hand, I understand it. It gives Greenspan the chance to see the pitch more often and MNUFC can call him back if the need arises. Suprising, yes, but I understand what the team is doing.

The loan is a standard USL loan for 2017, meaning that Greenspan can play for both the USL club and MNUFC in the season as needed. MNUFC retains the rights to Greenspan. Pittsburgh is an affiliate of the Columbus Crew, but the loan does not give away Greenspan’s rights.

What do you think? Surprised by the move? Let us know!