The highest point in all of the Twin Cities metro has an elevation of about 1,376 feet. This weekend, your Loons will be rising about 28,624 feet, flying approximately 680 miles, and descending 24,770 feet to arrive at their destination, Denver, Colorado. Now that I’ve created a truly delightful word problem for all you math whizzes, tell me this: What’s the elevation of this weekend’s game destination?
Minnesota United (15-7-9)
Run of Form: L-L-W-D-W (All Competitions)
While you work out that number, let’s keep moving into the form section. Your Loons have taken a bit of a detour as of late, losing consecutive games for just the second time in all of 2025. The first was a heartbreaker against Austin in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal, the second a 3-0 loss to the Fire that saw the Loons get a taste of their own medicine, with Chicago’s set-piece execution putting the result out of reach. Coach Ramsay rotated the lineup quite heavily against Berhalter’s boys, on account of the grueling 120 minutes that his strongest lineup played in midweek. Aside from the injured Carlos Harvey and Kelvin Yeboah, the rest of the squad should be well rested and ready to go now, the Loons will be anxious to rediscover their form ahead of the postseason and pay Colorado back for the 2-1 loss they handed the Black and Blue at Allianz Field in early August.
Colorado Rapids (11-14-6)
Run of Form: L-W-L-L-W
The Rapids are coming into this weekend’s match in just about the same form they’ve shown all season long: completely unpredictable. I guess that makes for the best whitewater rafting experience, right? They’ve lost to both the Galaxy and SKC in their last five matches, both of whom are already eliminated from postseason contention. They beat Atlanta and Houston, but they’ve not been convincing by any stretch of the imagination. Since we last saw them, they’ve swapped Djordje Mihailovic for Paxten Aaronson, a move that just might be explored in this week’s Storylines. With a playoff position just barely in their grasp, Chris Armas will be hoping to see his side pick up another three points against the Loons this weekend. The pressure is on, and any slip-up from here on out could prove costly to their postseason aspirations.
Keys to the Match:
Where the Air is Rarefied
The landscape of the USA is incredible. Your Loons have the privilege of playing in the league’s Western Conference, giving them one of the most drastically diverse schedules in world soccer. From the blistering Texas heat to the soggy Pacific Northwest, right back to the snowy confines of Allianz Field in late February. This weekend, though, it’s the mountains in the middle of it all that take center stage, as the Black and Blue are set to play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the stadium located at the highest elevation in all of MLS. At an impressive 5,230 feet (there’s your answer!), the Rapids’ home stadium presents a unique challenge, rising more than 500 feet higher than RSL’s America First Field. You’ve probably heard it before, but playing at elevation puts the uninitiated athlete’s body to the test, as the lower oxygen content in the air can lead to increased fatigue and slower recovery after exertion. Coming off the back of a particularly busy, draining week, the Loons need to make sure they thread the needle between being well-rested enough to handle this hurdle and sharp enough to get that bounceback result they’re craving.
I Did it My Way
Let’s keep the lyrics from Ol’ Blue Eyes going; there’s gotta be some wisdom in some of his classics, right? A common theme of Coach Ramsay’s approach to the 2025 season has been his ceaseless commitment to his tactics. This team knows what is expected of them, they know how they want to accomplish it, and they have proven quite capable of executing their unique style. Regardless of what outsiders think about the defense-first style that the Loons have employed this season, no one can deny their effectiveness this year. They’ve conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the whole league (36), successfully cleared the ball nearly a thousand times, and touched the ball less than any other team in MLS. It’s a unique approach in a league that has historically been dominated by high-flying attacks, but it’s specifically meant to mitigate just that. By design, there are very few ways to break this MNUFC side down. Colorado didn’t consistently break the Loons down last time they played; it was a matter of isolated moments. Ramsay doesn’t need to—and probably doesn’t plan to—make any changes to the tactical approach this weekend.
That’s Life
That’s what all the people say, ain’t it? You’re riding high in early September, shot down another day. The Loons started the month absolutely cruising, with a semifinal and a Supporters’ Shield race to look forward to. They beat San Diego to keep the race tight, then watched as their Western Conference rivals dropped points, leaving the door wide open for MNUFC to swoop in. But they lost to Austin, ending the Open Cup dream. Then, they lost to the Fire, missing what might’ve been their best shot at securing first position. Both of those results stung on their own, but in the same week? That’s just too much, right? According to Mr. Sinatra, that’s wrong. “I don’t let it, let it get me down / ‘Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin’ round.” Resilience has become a hallmark of this team this season, and with plenty left to play for, your Loons are far from done. They’ve only lost consecutive games on two occasions this year, and both instances included an exit from a cup competition. How did they follow up their last double loss? With their first-ever win in Seattle, then their first-ever win in Utah. Oh, and then a 3-1 win over the conference leaders. Though it won’t happen in June, I wouldn’t bet against them to get back on top sometime soon.
