Minnesota United FC seeks return to MLS playoffs in 2025

The big picture: MNUFC looks like a strong bet to the return to the playoffs, but soccer stans question whether the Loons can make a deep run without a true superstar.

Who we're watching: Newcomer Kelvin Yeboah turned heads with 9 goals in just 11 starts after joining the club late last year.

• Offseason signings Hoyeon Jung and Nicolás Romero shored up the midfield and center back positions respectively.

What they're saying: "We live or die by these new players," one of the hosts of the MNUFC fan podcast Loonacy quipped.

• Most on the show picked the Loons to finish around 5th in the Western Conference.

Plus: Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Robin Lod and Tani Oluwayesi "can all be match winners on any given day," ESPN's Ryan Rosenblatt wrote.

The bottom line: "They will be a solid and deep team (as expected) … They have a high floor," Rosenblatt added. "But they're going to need to be more dangerous on the ball to truly compete with the best in MLS."

• The Loons host CF Montréal at 7:30pm on Saturday.