When Emanuel Reynoso got hot at the end of the 2020 season, Minnesota United, in turn, went on a roll to the Western Conference final.
Reynoso is heating up again. The Argentine star has propelled the Loons to consecutive wins for the first time since mid-April. He scored two goals in MNUFC’s 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake on Sunday night at Allianz Field; it came four nights after he also netted a brace in a 3-2 win over L.A. Galaxy on Wednesday.
“When he’s in full flow, there is nobody better than him in the league, full stop,” manager Adrian Heath said.
Reynoso banged in a close-range shot in the ninth minute. He drew a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time and from the spot, his shot was saved by Zac MacMath, but he tapped in the rebound for a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
But Reynoso’s best bit of brilliance was his assist to Luis Amarilla in the 61st minute. Reynoso dropped into midfield, collected the ball from Wil Trapp, turned and immediately threaded a pristine pass to a on-running Amarilla. It sprang a breakaway and Amarilla chipped MacMath for a 3-0 lead.
“His first touch off the pass I play him is spectacular,” Trapp said. “Then Luis, it’s a bending run, right in front of the center back, but the weight of the pass, the finish, everything, was just beautiful.”
But how did Reynoso see Amarilla?
“I don’t know when he looks around, but he must,” Trapp guessed, “because his awareness and timing of passing is truly amazing.”
It’s reminiscent of two years ago when Reynoso had 10 assists and two goals in the final three regular-season games and three MLS Cup Playoff games. Only this time he’s scoring more, something Heath has been pinning for him to do.
Reynoso has seven goals in 18 games this season, compared to five goals in 29 games in 2021 and one in 13 games in 2020 (plus a playoff goal).
The Loons needed all three goals Saturday as RSL clawed back two goals after the 70 minutes. It continues a lurking problem: Minnesota has allowed eight goals after the 50th minute in the last four games. After dropping two games to New England and Inter Miami, they’ve hung on to win the last two.
Heath primarily chalked up the goals conceded Saturday to the depleted energy levels of players after three games in eight days, including first two on the road at Miami and L.A.. But the first goal conceded Saturday was off a cross they just failed to clear.
“It’s concentration, and of course, it’s also fatigue,” Trapp said. “We traveled New England, Miami, L.A. and then back home, but it’s a quick turnaround.”
Reynoso appeared no worse for the wear. He was voted into the 2021 MLS All-Star Game but didn’t play in the showcase in Los Angeles due to injuries. While Heath has 12 picks for the home-cooked showcase in St. Paul on Aug. 10, Reynoso’s stellar play makes his likely selection all the more warranted.
BRIEFLY
Minnesota improved to 7-8-3 and Salt Lake fell to 8-5-5. Minnesota has 24 points, same as Galaxy for the seventh and final playoff spot. L.A. plays Montreal on Monday. … Without Kervin Arriaga (ankle) and Joseph Rosales (suspension), Robin Lod made his first start as central midfielder. The Finnish international usually plays right wing or striker for Minnesota but goes central for the Finland national team and subbed in there for MNUFC in late May. “There are so many facets to his game that make him effective,” Trapp said. “For me, he is really easy to read and work off of and it was fun to see him in a different position and play next to him.” Loons want him in attack, but Heath added, “I wouldn’t hesitate playing him at fullback.” … Announced attendance was 19,647. … The Loons next opponent, Vancouver Whitecaps, pulled off a stunning 1-0 home win over LAFC on Saturday. LAFC was without star Carlos Vela (leg), but came into the game with an MLS-high 36 points. Minnesota will go to British Columbia for a rare Friday night match. … MNUFC2 throttled Vancouver Whitecaps 2 with a 2-0 win in Blaine on Saturday. Loons outshot Vancouver 23-4 and 12-1 on target. Aziel Jackson scored one goal, giving him 10 goal contributions (six scored, four assisted) this season.