Once a Loon, always in action: viewing guide for Jan. 24-25
The weekend slate is absolutely packed for the Minnesota United diaspora. From Tani Oluwaseyi facing the European champions Real Madrid to a massive Gre-Nal derby in Brazil and pivotal matchups in the Colombian and Costa Rican top flights, there is no shortage of alumni to track across the globe.
Depending on who logs minutes in their matches, we could have up to 15 former Loons in action this weekend in a dozen countries throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Here’s your guide to follow along with the action!
Saturday, Jan. 24
Kibunguchy anchors Hougang’s backline against the Sailors
Nabi Kibunguchy continues to be a staple for Hougang United as they face one of the toughest tests in the Singapore Premier League. The Lion City Sailors are the heavyweights of the division, and Kibunguchy’s defensive range and aerial dominance will be required if Hougang hopes to keep a clean sheet against the Sailors’ high-powered attack.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 a.m. CT
- Location: Hougang Stadium, Singapore
- Former Loon: Nabi Kibunguchy
- How to watch in Minnesota: Singapore Premier League YouTube channel
Pukki leads the line for HJK in Finnish return
The Finnish legend Teemu Pukki is back home and hunting for goals. HJK remains the gold standard in the Veikkausliiga, and Pukki’s veteran movement and clinical finishing are the primary threats against a Lahti side that often struggles to contain high-pressing forwards. Expect the “Pukki Party” to be in full effect in the capital.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 a.m. CT
- Location: Lahden Stadion, Lahti, Finland
- Former Loon: Teemu Pukki
- How to watch in Minnesota: OneFootball / Ruutu
Toye looks to spark Ingolstadt attack vs Stuttgart II
Mason Toye has found a new rhythm in Germany’s 3. Liga with Ingolstadt. Toye’s ability to stretch the defense with his vertical runs makes him a focal point for the squad.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 a.m. CT
- Location: Audi Sportpark, Ingolstadt, Germany
- Former Loon: Mason Toye
- How to watch in Minnesota: German Football YouTube / OneFootball
Bristow patrols the flank for Tranmere at Cambridge
Ethan Bristow has returned to English football with Tranmere Rovers, where his crossing ability and defensive recovery remain his calling cards. This League Two clash with Cambridge is a physical matchup, and Bristow’s pace on the left wing will be essential for Tranmere to transition quickly from defense to attack.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. CT
- Location: Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, England
- Former Loon: Ethan Bristow
- How to watch in Minnesota: iFollow / Sky Sports+ (International)
Nicholson provides creative spark for Motherwell
Sam Nicholson has established himself as a creative force for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. Known for his technical ability and work rate, Nicholson will likely start on the wing or as an attacking midfielder if he’s healthy. Kilmarnock’s organized defense will offer a tough challenge for Nicholson to unlock in the final third.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. CT
- Location: Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland
- Former Loon: Sam Nicholson
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ / Motherwell TV
Calvo captains Al-Ettifaq defense against Al Kholood
Francisco Calvo continues to lead by example for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. Coming off a hard-fought clean sheet earlier this week, Calvo’s positioning and leadership are vital for a team pushing for the top four in the Saudi Pro League. His threat on offensive set pieces also remains a wildcard for the Dammam-based side.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9:20 a.m. CT
- Location: King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Former Loon: Francisco Calvo
- How to watch in Minnesota: FS2 / DAZN / Shahid
Chacón pulls the strings for Aarau in Bellinzona clash
Thomás Chacón has found consistency in the Swiss Challenge League with FC Aarau. His vision and close control make him the primary playmaker for the club. Aarau is looking to climb the table, and Chacón’s ability to navigate tight spaces in midfield will be key to breaking down a stubborn Bellinzona defense.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. CT
- Location: Stadion Brügglifeld, Aarau, Switzerland
- Former Loon: Thomás Chacón
- How to watch in Minnesota: OneFootball
Oluwaseyi faces Real Madrid in marquee La Liga showdown
This is arguably the match of the weekend for Loon watchers. Tani Oluwaseyi is fresh off a brilliant Champions League goal and now faces the ultimate test in Real Madrid. Oluwaseyi’s physicality and “fox in the box” instincts will be Villarreal’s best weapon as they look to pull off an upset at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio de la Cerámica, Vila-real, Spain
- Former Loon: Tani Oluwaseyi
- How to watch in Minnesota: ESPN+
Amarilla hunts for goals in Paraguayan heavyweight bout
Luis Amarilla leads the line for Cerro Porteño in a massive clash against Libertad. Amarilla remains one of the most dangerous strikers in South America when given service in the box. This rivalry match often dictates the pace of the Paraguayan title race, putting “Totín” under the brightest of spotlights.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 5:15 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio General Pablo Rojas, Asunción, Paraguay
- Former Loon: Luis Amarilla
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz
Reynoso makes debut for Deportivo Cali against Medellín
Having made his debut for the club last week, Emanuel Reynosois now looking to secure his first signature performance for Deportivo Cali. Facing a defensively sound Independiente Medellín side, “Rey” will be the primary source of creativity as he looks to unlock the defense and establish himself as the team’s engine.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 5:20 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Deportivo Cali, Palmira, Colombia
- Former Loon: Emanuel Reynoso
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX+
Bran anchors Alajuelense midfield in San Carlos test
Alejandro Bran has become an indispensable engine for LD Alajuelense. His ability to win second balls and transition into the attack has been a bright spot for the Manudos. After a tough loss earlier this week, Bran will be tasked with controlling the tempo to ensure Alajuelense regains their winning form.
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Former Loon: Alejandro Bran
- How to watch in Minnesota: ViX+ / FUTV
Sunday, Jan. 25
Iwe brings speed to Mannheim in Rostock battle
Emmanuel Iwe is carving out a role in Germany with Waldhof Mannheim. His blistering pace on the wing is a nightmare for fullbacks in transition. In a match against a historic side like Hansa Rostock, Iwe’s ability to stretch the pitch will be a primary tactical weapon for Mannheim.
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 a.m. CT
- Location: Carl-Benz-Stadion, Mannheim, Germany
- Former Loon: Emmanuel Iwe
- How to watch in Minnesota: German Football YouTube / OneFootball
Benítez enters the fire of the Gre-Nal derby
Alan Benítez is set to experience one of the most intense rivalries in world football: Internacional vs. Grêmio. Starting at right-back, Benítez will need to be defensively perfect while still providing the overlapping runs that help Internacional dominate possession at home. This is a high-pressure environment where legends are made.
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. CT
- Location: Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Former Loon: Alan Benítez
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / Premiere
Quintero looks for veteran magic against Millonarios
The “Scientist” Darwin Quintero continues to defy age, now pulling the strings for Millonarios following his move this winter. Even at 38, his vision and quick-twitch movements in the final third are elite. Millonarios faces a massive test against Junior FC, and Quintero’s ability to create something from nothing will be crucial.
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5:10 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia
- Former Loon: Darwin Quintero
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX+
Venegas returns to Saprissa with high-flying Cartaginés
Johan Venegas and CS Cartaginés are the story of the Costa Rican season so far. Venegas returns to face his former club, Deportivo Saprissa, in what is sure to be a hostile environment. Venegas is currently in peak form, and a goal against the “Monstruo Morado” would further cement his status as a Cartaginés hero.
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, Tibás, Costa Rica
- Former Loon: Johan Venegas
- How to watch in Minnesota: ViX+ / FUTV
