The Minnesota Loons are entering the new season amid significant roster changes, marking a pivotal winter for the club. With Cameron Knowles stepping in as head coach, the team has welcomed nine new players while parting ways with 10 others through transfers, loans, and contract expirations. Such turnover is common in professional soccer, where clubs frequently reshape their squads during offseasons and transfer windows.
As the Loons prepare for their season opener this weekend, it’s essential to examine their first competitive match against Austin FC and how the opponent’s roster has evolved since last year.
Austin FC, known as El Tree de Vida, has experienced more modest changes, bringing in five new players while bidding farewell to six others. This strategic approach suggests that the club’s leadership remains confident in its core roster following a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference in 2025, opting for smaller adjustments to enhance competitiveness.
A major challenge for Austin last season was their goal-scoring woes, netting only 37 goals across 34 games—the lowest in the Western Conference. Recognizing the need for improvement in their attacking unit, the club made significant moves this offseason. The departure of forwards Osman Bukari, Diego Rubio, and Jáder Obrian will see the team lose over 4,000 minutes of playtime, a necessary sacrifice considering their previous underwhelming performance.
To address these gaps, Austin has welcomed wingers Facundo Torres and Jayden Nelson. Torres, formerly with Palmeiras in Brazil, is a game-changing talent with a proven track record, boasting six goals and three assists last season for Orlando City. At just 25 years old, his stats reflect a reliable contributor with a goal every 185 minutes, suggesting he could play a pivotal role in the team’s strategy.
Similarly, 23-year-old Jayden Nelson has established himself as an emerging talent. His impressive performance for Vancouver Whitecaps showcased his speed and versatility, with two goals and six assists in 1,326 minutes last season. If given more playing time, Nelson could have a breakout season, further amplifying Austin’s attacking options.
As the Loons gear up for their first match, they will face a formidable challenge against a revitalized Austin squad. With striker Brandon Vázquez still sidelined and the expected absence of last season’s leading scorer Owen Wolff, Austin will need to rely heavily on their new signings. The stage is set for a thrilling opener, as both teams seek to establish their identities early in the new season.