Sep 17, 2025 - Sports

Minnesota United FC keeps winning with "sicko" brand of soccer

Kyle Stokes

A soccer player leaps in the air in celebration after scoring a goal. Pursued by his joyful teammates in powder-blue uniforms, a quiet crowd of opposing fans watches in shock behind him. — MNUFC was flying high after a recent win against Western Conference-leading San Diego FC. Photo: Francisco Vega/Getty Images

The Loons are having their best season ever, and they're hoping to parlay that into international glory.

Driving the news: On Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota United FC plays Austin FC in the semifinal of the Open Cup, a tournament featuring teams from all levels of U.S. soccer.

The winner of the tournament gets a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup against North and Central America's best clubs.

The big picture: While the cup competition is separate from the Major League Soccer schedule, the Loons also appear to be locks for first-round home-field advantage in the playoffs under second-year coach Eric Ramsay.

They recently notched a signature win against San Diego FC — the only team ahead of them in the Western Conference.

Between the lines: The Loons are winning with a "sicko ball" brand of soccer that emphasizes efficiency, relentless transitions from defense to offense, and elaborate set-piece attacks, writes USSoccer.com.

"I totally understand why teams don't like to play against us," striker Kelvin Yeboah — who leads MNUFC with three goals in Open Cup play — told the site.

What's next: If they win Wednesday, MNUFC would advance to the Open Cup final on Oct. 1.

The MLS playoffs start in late October.

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Minnesota United FC keeps winning with "sicko" brand of soccer

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