Minnesota United has desperately missed the playmaking and goalscoring abilities of midfielder Emanuel Reynoso through the opening three months of the MLS season, but after a long layoff due to a preseason suspension, the Argentine made his return in a big way on Saturday night.
Reynoso came off the bench at Allianz Field and contributed on the equalizing goal in the Loons 1-1 draw with Toronto FC. He played the final 25 minutes of the non-conference matchup with the Canadian visitors, crossing into the TFC box before Kervin Arriaga scored the tying goal in the 89th minute.
“He gave us a lift, didn’t he, with his quality,” said head coach Adrian Heath postmatch. “You know we can’t afford to be without our better players. We can’t. That’s the harsh reality of it all. And Rey [Emanuel Reynoso] is one of our best players, and he showed that tonight.
“He’s still got a long way to go, but I think we saw glimpses of his quality tonight,” added Heath. “He’s engaged. He wants to play and he showed us what we have been missing tonight a little bit.”
Reynoso, 27, has been a key catalyst in the Minnesota United attack over the past three seasons, scoring 16 goals and registering 28 assists in 72 regular season league appearances. Reynoso registered double-digit goals and assists during the Loons’ 2022 campaign, helping Adrian Heath’s squad reach the postseason for the third-straight season.
With the Loons being held to just one goal or less in each of their six matches across all competitions, Reynoso’s return should provide a spark as Minnesota United aims to move up the Western Conference table. The Loons visit CF Montreal and Real Salt Lake later this month before a busy July schedule features Leagues Cup involvement.
Reynoso will try and make up for lost time this summer, while Heath praised his potential long-term presence in the squad, comparing him to one of the NBA’s top athletes.
“You think the Lakers are better with Lebron [James] on the field? I think so,” Heath said as he compared Reynoso’s presence to that of James.