Gallery and Notes: Minnesota United holds first training session at Allianz Field

Minnesota United took to the freshly cut grass at Allianz Field for the first time to engage in a training session on Wednesday morning.

On a beautiful sunny day, the Loons enjoyed a lighter training session as they prepare for their upcoming match at the New York Red Bulls. Players ended the practice with a small-field game, testing out the new grass surface.

Nearly all of United’s players were accounted for on Wednesday, with a few exceptions. Forward Mason Toye, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and defender Carter Manley were absent, and defender Chase Gasper did not participate. There was some concern as attacker Darwin Quintero left the session early in frustrated fashion with an apparent groin injury, but manager Adrian Heath said he is not concerned with the Colombian playmaker’s status.

Highlights from the session included a quick hat trick from Angelo Rodriguez in the training game and a penalty attempt from goalkeeper Vito Mannone landing closer to the north end’s Brew Hall than the back of the net.

Around the stadium, construction crews were putting the finishing touches on the concourses and interior spaces, as well as the lower portion of the exterior. Ropes, presumably for the large tifo display promised by supporters, were already hanging in the Wonderwall end of the field.

The Loons are expected to train at Allianz Field at least one more time next week as they prepare for the home opener on April 13th.

Check out some photos from the practice, courtesy of our photographers Tim McLaughlin and Seth Steffenhagen:

Grid View

• Romain Metanire takes time to smile during the session. Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P
• Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen P