Once a Loon, always in action: viewing guide for Jan. 30 – Feb. 1

This weekend, we’re tracking 17 matches involving former Loons over three days, including one in Asia, four in the Americas, and 12 in Europe.

From the frigid winter tournaments in Finland to a high-stakes La Liga clash for Tani and a Sunday showdown for Bebelo in Colombia, there is no shortage of storylines to follow.

Friday, Jan. 30

Kibunguchy looks to anchor Hougang defense against Young Lions

Nabi Kibunguchy has quickly become a defensive anchor in Singapore. Facing the developmental Young Lions side, expect the former Loons defender to be heavily involved in building play from the back as Hougang looks to climb the table early in the season.

  • Hougang United FC vs. Young Lions (Singapore Premier League)
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 a.m. CST
  • Location: Singapore (Jalan Besar Stadium)
  • Former Loon: Nabi Kibunguchy
  • How to watch in Minnesota: YouTube (Singapore Premier League Official Channel)

Pukki leads HJK attack in Liigacup clash with Inter Turku

Teemu Pukki returns to Finnish domestic action with HJK for a massive Liigacup fixture. While this is a pre-season tournament, a clash against Inter Turku is always high-intensity. All eyes will be on whether the legendary striker still has that clinical touch in the Finnish winter air.

  • FC Inter Turku vs. HJK (Liigacup)
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 30 at 6:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Turku, Finland (Veritas Stadion)
  • Former Loon: Teemu Pukki
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Ruutu+ (Subscription required)

Raitala brings veteran presence to Gnistan backline

A battle of Finnish veterans sees Jukka Raitala leading the backline for Gnistan. Raitala remains one of the most disciplined defenders in the league, and his leadership will be vital against a Mariehamn side looking to play spoiler in the group stage.

  • IF Gnistan vs. IFK Mariehamn (Liigacup)
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 a.m. CST
  • Location: Helsinki, Finland (Mustapekka Areena)
  • Former Loon: Jukka Raitala
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Ruutu+ (Subscription required)

Hunou aims to spark Clermont offense against Reims

Adrien Hunou continues to be a focal point for Clermont’s attack. As they push for promotion contention, Hunou’s ability to find space in the box remains his greatest weapon against a tough Reims side.

  • Clermont Foot vs. Reims (Ligue 2)
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 30 at 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France (Stade Gabriel-Montpied)
  • Former Loon: Adrien Hunou
  • How to watch in Minnesota: beIN Sports / fuboTV

Chacón seeks to unlock Aarau defense in Swiss Challenge League

The creative Uruguayan has found his rhythm in Switzerland. Thomás Chacón’s vision and set-piece delivery will be the keys to unlocking an Aarau defense that has been stubborn of late.

  • Yverdon vs. Aarau (Swiss Challenge League)
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 30 at 1:15 p.m. CST
  • Location: Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland (Stade Municipal)
  • Former Loon: Thomás Chacón
  • How to watch in Minnesota: OneFootball

Satuday, Jan. 31

Toye brings physical edge to Hansa Rostock in 3. Liga battle

Mason Toye’s physical profile has translated well to the gritty nature of the German third division. He’ll be looking to use his pace to stretch the Ingolstadt backline in this early morning kickoff at the Ostseestadion.

  • Hansa Rostock vs. Ingolstadt (3. Liga)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Rostock, Germany (Ostseestadion)
  • Former Loon: Mason Toye
  • How to watch in Minnesota: German Football YouTube / OneFootball

Iwe looks to use pace on the wing against Waldhof Mannheim

The St. Cloud native continues his European journey in Germany. Emmanuel Iwe’s 1v1 ability on the wing makes him a dangerous “X-factor” for Viktoria Köln whenever he gets isolated against a fullback.

  • Viktoria Köln 1904 vs. Waldhof Mannheim (3. Liga)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Cologne, Germany (Sportpark Höhenberg)
  • Former Loon: Emmanuel Iwe
  • How to watch in Minnesota: German Football YouTube / OneFootball

Ramsay faces tactical test as Portsmouth hosts West Brom

Former Loons gaffer Eric Ramsay faces a tough tactical test against a promotion-chasing West Brom side. Ramsay’s organized defensive structures will be put to the limit at a raucous Fratton Park.

  • Portsmouth vs. West Bromwich Albion (EFL Championship)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 9:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Portsmouth, England (Fratton Park)
  • Former Loon: Eric Ramsay (Manager)
  • How to watch in Minnesota: CBS Sports Network / Paramount+

Bristow defends the flank as Tranmere hosts Salford

Ethan Bristow has found a consistent home at left-back, providing plenty of service from wide areas. This League Two clash should be a physical, end-to-end affair where his crossing could be the difference.

  • Tranmere vs. Salford (EFL League Two)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 9:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Birkenhead, England (Prenton Park)
  • Former Loon: Ethan Bristow
  • How to watch in Minnesota: iFollow (Tranmere Rovers Official Streaming)

Nicholson eyes impact for Livingston against Motherwell

If he’s able to come back from injury this weekend, Sam Nicholson’s versatility remains his biggest asset in Scotland. Whether starting out wide or underneath a striker, his energy is vital for Livingston’s transition game against Motherwell.

  • Livingston vs. Motherwell (Scottish Premiership)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 9:00 a.m. CST
  • Location: Livingston, Scotland (Almondvale Stadium)
  • Former Loon: Sam Nicholson
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Golazo

Oluwaseyi returns to La Liga action with trip to Osasuna

Fresh off his first Champions League start mid-week, Tani Oluwaseyi returns to domestic play. Villarreal needs his verticality to break down an Osasuna side that is notoriously difficult to beat at El Sadar.

  • Osasuna vs. Villarreal (La Liga)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 9:15 a.m. CST
  • Location: Pamplona, Spain (El Sadar Stadium)
  • Former Loon: Tani Oluwaseyi
  • How to watch in Minnesota: ESPN+

Jackson hopes to spark Widzew attack against Jagiellonia

Aziel Jackson’s flair and quick turns have made him a fan favorite in Poland. He’ll be tasked with being the creative engine against a top-tier Jagiellonia side in front of the passionate Widzew fans.

  • Widzew Łódź vs. Jagiellonia Białystok (Ekstraklasa)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m. CST
  • Location: Łódź, Poland (Stadion Widzewa)
  • Former Loon: Aziel Jackson
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Ekstraklasa TV

Arriaga faces giant task against Atlético Madrid in Copa del Rey

“El Misil” faces one of the biggest tests of his career against Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid. Kervin Arriaga’s ball-winning ability and long-range shooting will be crucial if Levante hopes to pull off a massive upset.

  • Levante vs. Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey / La Liga)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11:30 a.m. CST
  • Location: Valencia, Spain (Estadi Ciutat de València)
  • Former Loon: Kervin Arriaga
  • How to watch in Minnesota: ESPN+

Benítez fights for minutes in regional derby against Caxias

After two games on the bench, Alan Benítez will be hoping for a start in the state championship as Internacional looks to bounce back from their mid-week loss. This regional derby is the perfect stage for him to stake his claim.

  • Caxias vs. Internacional (Campeonato Gaúcho)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. CST
  • Location: Caxias do Sul, Brazil (Estádio Centenário)
  • Former Loon: Alan Benítez
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / GolTV

Tapias anchors San Luis defense for visit from Chivas

Miguel Tapias has been a steadying presence in the San Luis defense. He’ll have his hands full containing the dynamic Chivas attack in this Saturday evening prime-time slot.

  • San Luis vs. Chivas (Liga MX)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 5:00 p.m. CST
  • Location: San Luis Potosí, Mexico (Estadio Alfonso Lastras)
  • Former Loon: Miguel Tapias
  • How to watch in Minnesota: TUDN / Univision / ViX

Quintero orchestrates Millonarios attack against DIM

“The Scientist of the Goal” continues to defy age in Colombia. Darwin Quintero’s vision remains elite, and he’ll be looking to orchestrate a home win in Bogotá against a tough DIM side.

  • Millonarios vs. Independiente Medellín (Categoría Primera A)
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:20 p.m. CST
  • Location: Bogotá, Colombia (Estadio El Campín)
  • Former Loon: Darwin Quintero
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX

Sunday, Feb. 1

Reynoso looks to provide magic as Cali hosts Pasto

Love him or hate him, any match involving Emanuel Reynoso is must-watch for Loons fans. As the focal point of the Cali attack, “Bebelo” will be expected to provide the magic required to break down a disciplined Pasto side at home.

  • Deportivo Cali vs. Deportivo Pasto (Categoría Primera A)
  • Date: Sunday, Feb. 1 at 3:10 p.m. CST
  • Location: Palmira, Colombia (Estadio Deportivo Cali)
  • Former Loon: Emanuel Reynoso
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz / ViX