MLS NEXT Pro is the league for rising stars, with promising young players across the country making their transition into professional soccer via this growing developmental cornerstone of American soccer. So, when a player is named the MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek, that title carries some significance. Join us here at the club as we congratulate Minnesota United’s very own Keane Perkins for earning this honor for Matchweek 12!
Perkins’ designation comes after a standout performance in MNUFC2’s 2-0 shutout win over Colorado Rapids 2, during which the young keeper saved all three of Colorado’s shots on target. This was his third full match of the season for the Twos, and his second clean sheet in a professional match in 2026.
MNUFC2 Head Coach Fanendo Adi selected Perkins for a chance with the second team due to his strong performances with the club’s U18 team, for whom he played more than 800 minutes in 2025-26 and made nearly 30 saves. He’s grown into yet another capable pair of hands in MNUFC’s notably strong goalkeeping corps, making this week’s honor hardly a surprise for those around the training grounds in Blaine.
With the Academy season officially over for the summer, Perkins will be in contention for more time with the Twos during the remainder of the MLS NEXT Pro calendar, so watch out for more impressive performances from this local talent. Congrats again, Keane; keep the good form rolling!
