First win in Utah: check. Another classic Robin Lod performance: double check. A spot on Matchday 30 TOTM: triple check. After his influential play in MNUFC’s 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake, Minnesota’s favorite Finn finds himself back amongst the league’s best, right where he belongs.
In a match that saw the hosts dominate possession and pepper the Black and Blue with 26 shots and 26 crosses, it was always going to be important for the Loons to take advantage of the opportunities that came up. Lod’s experience and quality were both on full display in this one, as he put himself in the perfect spot to take hold of the game when it fell to his feet. His go-ahead goal in the 36th minute saw him finish off a chaotic sequence in front of RSL’s goal, tucking a neat shot across the goalmouth. Then, he gave Joaquín Pereyra all the help he needed to capitalize on a counterattack in the 51st minute, taking the supporting role for the third and final goal of the night.
With this performance, Lod added to his all-time MNUFC goal-scoring record, bringing his tally up to 37 goals across all competitions. It also marks his fourth goal and sixth assist of 2025, putting him at 10 goal contributions for the fourth time in his Loons career. It was a game-winning performance, and the kind of effort that pushes teams to new heights during the business end of the season.
With just six games remaining in the regular season, every point looms larger and larger. Currently sitting just three points behind the Western Conference leaders (San Diego) and four points behind the league leaders (Philadelphia), your Loons will be looking to keep pace with the top of the league when they host Portland this Saturday. Congrats on the recognition this week, Robin; we’re going to need some more down the stretch!
F: Danny Musovski (SEA), Sam Surridge (NSH), Son Heung-Min (LAFC)
M: Robin Lod (MIN), Aidan O’Neill (NYC), Hany Mukhtar (NSH)
D: Kai Wagner (PHI), Daniel Munie (SJ), Mamadou Fofana (NE), Miki Yamane (LA)
GK: Michael Collodi (DAL)
Coach: Pascal Jansen (NYC)
Bench: Kristijan Kahlina (CLT), Josh Bauer (NSH), Elijah Wynder (LA), Danny Leyva (SEA), Baltasar Rodríguez (MIA), Milan Iloski (PHI), Thomas Müller (VAN), Prince Owusu (MTL), Alonso Martínez (NYC)
