As the January window begins to close and league play intensifies across the Americas and beyond, the Once A Loon faithful have a packed schedule to monitor. We’re tracking 10 matches in eight different countries over three days that involve 10 former Loons. From a high-stakes Champions League clash in Germany to critical league matches in Colombia and Costa Rica, here is where you can find former Minnesota United players in action mid-week.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Bristow and Tranmere head to London for League Two battle
Ethan Bristow continues his journey through the English football pyramid as Tranmere travels to face Barnet. With Tranmere looking to build momentum in league play, Bristow’s defensive reliability on the left flank will be under the microscope against a high-pressing Barnet side.
- Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 27; 1:45 p.m. CST
- Location: London, England (The Hive Stadium)
- Former Loon: Ethan Bristow
- How to watch in Minnesota: iFollow Rovers
Amarilla looks to rejoin matchday squad in trip to San Lorenzo
After being a notable absence in Cerro Porteño’s season-opening draw, Luis Amarilla will be eager to reclaim his spot in the starting XI. Facing a newly-promoted San Lorenzo side, this is a prime opportunity for the clinical striker to open his 2026 account and prove he remains the premier finisher for the Paraguayan giants.
- Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 27; 5:15 p.m. CST
- Location: San Lorenzo, Paraguay (Estadio Gunther Vogel)
- Former Loon: Luis Amarilla
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz
Bran looks to anchor midfield as Alajuelense travels to Guadalupe
Alejandro Bran is coming off a complete 90-minute performance in a dramatic late win over San Carlos where he dictated the tempo throughout. As Alajuelense travels to San José, look for Bran to once again serve as the defensive engine in the midfield as the “Manudos” attempt to keep pace at the top of the Clausura standings.
- Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 27; 6 p.m. CST
- Location: San José, Costa Rica (Estadio Colleya Fonseca)
- Former Loon: Alejandro Bran
- How to watch in Minnesota: ViX+
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Calvo faces defensive test against Al Ahli in Saudi Pro League
Francisco Calvo faces one of the toughest tests in the Saudi Pro League, tasked with neutralizing an Al Ahli attack that features global superstars like Ivan Toney and Riyad Mahrez. The Costa Rican veteran’s leadership in the Al-Ettifaq backline has been vital this season, and a result in Jeddah would be a massive statement for Steven Gerrard’s side.
- Date and time: Wednesday, Jan. 28; 11:30 a.m. CST
- Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (King Abdullah Sports City)
- Former Loon: Francisco Calvo
- How to watch in Minnesota: DAZN / Fox Soccer Plus
Oluwaseyi seeks European stage in Champions League trip to Germany
This is the headliner of the week. Villarreal travels to the BayArena for a massive European night in the UEFA Champions League. After a physical 20-minute shift against Real Madrid over the weekend, Tani Oluwaseyi will be pushing for a significant role in this League Phase finale. Watching a former Loons draft pick compete at this level is a must-see for supporters.
- Date and time: Wednesday, Jan. 28; 2 p.m. CST
- Location: Leverkusen, Germany (BayArena)
- Former Loon: Tani Oluwaseyi
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ / ViX
Benítez eyes return to starting role against Athletico Paranaense
After being an unused sub in the Gre-Nal victory on his 32nd birthday, Alan Benítez is a strong candidate for rotation in this mid-week fixture. With the Brazilian season just heating up, the Paraguayan right-back will want to make the most of his minutes at the Beira-Rio to solidify his place in Paulo Pezzolano’s starting plans.
- Date and time: Wednesday, Jan. 28; 4 p.m. CST
- Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil (Estádio Beira-Rio)
- Former Loon: Alan Benítez
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ / Fanatiz
Quintero leads Millonarios into high-altitude battle in Pasto
The “Scientist of the Goal” takes his talents to the extreme altitude of Pasto. Following a tough home loss to Junior where he provided the creative spark for nearly the full match, Darwin Quintero remains the focal point for a Millonarios side desperate to secure their first road win of the Apertura campaign.
- Date and time: Wednesday, Jan. 28; 7:30 p.m. CST
- Location: Pasto, Colombia (Estadio Departamental Libertad)
- Former Loon: Darwin Quintero
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX+
Thursday, Jan. 29
Reynoso returns to lineup as Cali visits Águilas Doradas
Emanuel Reynoso dominated the opening 45 minutes against Medellín before a tactical halftime substitution to protect him from a potential second booking. Refreshed and in fine form, he heads to Rionegro to lead a Cali side that finally looks like a title contender. Expect Reynoso to pull the strings as he looks for his first assist of the season.
- Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 29; 3 p.m. CST
- Location: Rionegro, Colombia (Estadio Alberto Grisales)
- Former Loon: Emanuel Reynoso
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX+
Fragapane and Unión travel to Lanús in search of road points
Franco Fragapane continues his second stint with Unión de Santa Fe, heading to Buenos Aires for a difficult road test. The veteran winger, who recently celebrated his 32nd birthday, has been a vital part of Unión’s tactical setup since returning from Minnesota, and his ability to unlock defenses from the flank will be key against a disciplined Lanús backline.
- Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 29; 4:15 p.m. CST
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (Estadio Ciudad de Lanús)
- Former Loon: Franco Fragapane
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ / Fanatiz
Venegas looks to break scoring drought as Cartaginés hosts Sporting
Johan Venegas led the line for 70 minutes in a scoreless “Clásico” against Saprissa over the weekend. Returning home to the Fello Meza, the veteran forward will be hungry to find the back of the net against a Sporting side that has struggled defensively in recent weeks.
- Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 29; 6 p.m. CST
- Location: Cartago, Costa Rica (Estadio Fello Meza)
- Former Loon: Johan Venegas
- How to watch in Minnesota: ViX+
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