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Photo Gallery: 2020 Season In Review

MNUFC made strides this past season that not many could have predicted. Take a look back on the hopes and highlights of the season through the lens of our photographers.

February 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the 3rd annual Surly Boot Soccer Tournament at Allianz Field.
February 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the 3rd annual Surly Boot Soccer Tournament at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)

As the snow fell onto a dormant Allianz Field, the 2020 campaign in Loonesota was looking bright with aspirations and hopes of making another step into the playoffs. Luis Amarilla was brought in to be the new talisman up front for the Loons and the 2019 defender of the year Ike Opara was looking to continue his defensive prowess and lead the backline once again. However, as the world began to shut down due to the pandemic so did the stadiums in MLS and the home opener was put on hold. Months later the game eventually continued in cavernous venues across the league as fans were limited or completely devoid of them.

Despite the injuries, infections and international duty that caused a burden to the core of the team, there were a number of moments of progress and success that transcended the expectations of many. Robin Lod eventually settled into his place for Minnesota and went on to score 10 goals over the course of the year. The long sought after #10 was finally brought in as Emanuel Reynoso showed his brilliance and began to establish a remarkable partnership with Kevin Molino. The youthful and promising Dayne St. Clair stepped into the void between the posts as goalkeeper issues worked its way down the line of shot stoppers. He certainly made the most of his opportunities made a case to be #1 next season.

Even with all the hardships of this unprecedented season, Minnesota managed to keep those aspirations afloat and secured a home playoff game for the second consecutive year. The convincing win down in Kansas City and the near toppling of the goliath from Seattle was something that was not expected by most. Kevin Molino’s final goal for Minnesota will go down as one of the best. Even though that Reynoso and Molino tandem has been severed, what comes next may regenerate into something more exciting than what we’ve already seen from Reynoso.

Enjoy the holidays and the whirly world that is the silly season. During that time hopefully Minnesota will make some exciting acquisitions so that the Loons may continue to fly high and surpass our expectations in 2021. Most of all, may we stay in good health so that we may finally reunite and fill that dormant Allianz Field with enough organic noise and furor to awaken the Dethloon once again.

February 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United's new signing Luis Amarilla poses for photos during the Introductory Press Conference at Allianz Field.
February 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United’s new signing Luis Amarilla poses for photos during the Introductory Press Conference at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
March 10, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) answers questions for the media after the Loon's first team practice at Allianz Field.
March 10, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) answers questions for the media after the Loon’s first team practice at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - The starting eleven for Minnesota United walk out to a stadium devoid of fans prior to the Minnesota United vs Sporting KC match at Allianz Field.
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - The starting eleven for Minnesota United walk out to a stadium devoid of fans prior to the Minnesota United vs Sporting KC match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ján Greguš (8) takes a corner kick during the match against Sporting KC at Allianz Field.
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ján Greguš (8) takes a corner kick during the match against Sporting KC at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (15) kicks the ball away from Sporting KC forward Alan Pulido (9) during the match at Allianz Field.
August 21, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (15) kicks the ball away from Sporting KC forward Alan Pulido (9) during the match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Robin Lod (17) places his hand on the rock mined from the Iron Range before walking out to take on Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Robin Lod (17) places his hand on the rock mined from the Iron Range before walking out to take on Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) signals for a substitution during the match against Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) signals for a substitution during the match against Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Chase Gasper (77) scores the opening goal during the match against Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Chase Gasper (77) scores the opening goal during the match against Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 6, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (97) looks on as the play continues in the other half during the match against FC Dallas at Allianz Field.
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (97) looks on as the play continues in the other half during the match against FC Dallas at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
September 9, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes from the Minnesota United vs FC Dallas match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - The first round of fan cutouts are on display during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - The first round of fan cutouts are on display during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
September 27, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Players observe a moment of silence in recognition of Black Lives Matter prior to kickoff of the Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids match at Allianz Field.
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Players observe a moment of silence in recognition of Black Lives Matter prior to kickoff of the Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
November 4, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ethan Finlay (13) has his shot blocked by FC Dallas midfielder Ryan Hollingshead (12) during the match at Allianz Field.
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ethan Finlay (13) has his shot blocked by FC Dallas midfielder Ryan Hollingshead (12) during the match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhgen Photography)
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso (10) dribbles the ball during the match against FC Dallas at Allianz Field.
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Emanuel Reynoso (10) dribbles the ball during the match against FC Dallas at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ján Greguš (8) reacts after being cut by FC Dallas defender Thiago Santos (5) during the match at Allianz Field.
November 8, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Ján Greguš (8) reacts after being cut by FC Dallas defender Thiago Santos (5) during the match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino (7) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the first round playoff match against the Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino (7) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the first round playoff match against the Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Robin Lod (17) dribbles the ball during the Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids first round playoff match at Allianz Field.
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United midfielder Robin Lod (17) dribbles the ball during the Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids first round playoff match at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the first round playoff match between Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the first round playoff match between Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the first round playoff match between Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
November 22, 2020 - Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Scenes during the first round playoff match between Minnesota United vs Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field.
(Photo by Andrew Dobin/Northstar Imagery)