Call Up A Storm

@callupastorm.bsky.social

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Forthcoming Minnesota United blog with occasional other American soccer content. By sickos, for sickos.

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Screenshot of a spreadsheet showing eight players from RSL all listed as Right Wings
I haven’t yet settled on what I think of the 2026 Loons, and I think a big part of the reason why is the lack of a calling-card style like the ‘25 team had. Per FotMob, they rank 12th in expected goals, 19th in big chances created, and 23rd in accurate passes per match. So clearly not a dominant offensive team, but closer to average than bad. Defensively, they’re 23rd in expected goals allowed — though doubtless Vancouver still skews that — 13th in interceptions, and 15th in tackles. So again, fine but not remarkable. Like last year, they remain elite at clearing the ball. Thank you Morris Dugan. They’re the third best team at regaining possession in the final third, which when taken in concert with the clearances would lead you to believe they’re a high-pressing team that gives up balls over the top. Looking at Opta’s pressing stats, however, that’s not the case. They’re 19th in pressing sequences and passes per defensive action, and start their average open play attacking sequence closer to their own goal than all but five teams in MLS. So they’re pressing extremely effectively, but not particularly frequently. Whoever is triggering Minnesota’s press is doing so exceptionally well.
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A 4-2-3-1 lineup for Colombia with James starting as a CAM
Screen shot of Matt Doyle’s post about seeing a dead eagle just after my post about seeing multiple people in Tottenham gear.
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Triantis would be a terrific signing for the Loons: He’s a high-volume defender, tall for his position and good in the air, plays multiple positions at a high level, and still has quite a bit of room for improvement given his age. It should come as no surprise then that he has quite a few teams interested in him, which complicates getting him to MLS. Sunderland haven’t even fully committed to selling him this window as they think he could have a future with the club, even giving him 90 minutes against Rayo Vallecano in a friendly on Aug. 10. If they do, Hibs have made no secret that they wanted him back on a permanent deal, though that seems unlikely as of now. In the Championship, Derby, Portsmouth, and West Brom are all interested. If Minnesota can get this deal done, it would be a coup. Triantis is highly skilled and could slot in this season and take pressure off Wil Trapp, then assume the starting role next season as he adjusts to the league.
Football formation maker line up with a modified 3-4-2-1 putting as many midfielders on the pitch as possible: Romero, Boxall, Harvey Lod, Gene, Triantis, Dotson Trapp, Pereyra Yeboah DSC is in net, of course.
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White text in a black box reading "Minnesota United currently has one designated player on their roster: Emanuel Reynoso. He is a left-footed attacking midfielder. Previously, they also had Teemu Pukki and Mender Garcia as designated players, but Pukki's contract ended and Garcia is no longer with the team."
Screenshot of a SofaScore stat sheet showing the Loons with 60% possession, an xG 1.7 points higher than St. Louis, a 2-0 lead in big chances, as well as more shots and more passes.