By Rachel Blood

Well, folks, there’s no season quite like the offseason. It’s a time of reflection, roster reshuffling, and getting into gear for another great year. Minnesota United has made a handful of under-the-radar moves over the past week, acquiring midfielder Peter Stroud from Red Bull New York, signing MNUFC2 defender Britton Fischer to an MLS contract, and snagging four high-ceiling collegiate players in the MLS SuperDraft.

In the midst of all these exciting newcomers, we have to acknowledge the elephant(s) in the room. Longtime Loons Hassani Dotson and Dayne St. Clair are moving on from Minnesota, with Dotson headed home to Washington and St. Clair making his way to star-studded Miami, current owners of MLS Cup. Both are a big loss, but what are pro sports without the trials and opportunities presented by regular roster changes? We’ll always remember these heavy hitters, and as we break into our 10th season in Major League Soccer, we'll look forward to new faces having a chance to leave their mark in Minnesota, much like this pair of 2019 draft picks did.

In some exciting off-the-field news, CEO Shari Ballard was recently named MLS Executive of the Year, and the club's medical team was recognized as MLS Medical Staff of the Year. Plus, it was officially confirmed that MNUFC will compete in U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup once again in 2026. This next season is all about honoring the past, making the most of the present, and carving out the future. Let’s get excited, you Loons! And, of course, happy holidays.