Kmeť heads home: Slovakian defender loaned to DAC 1904
Matúš Kmeť‘s time with Minnesota United continues to be defined by his time away from Minnesota.
According to an article by Kovács Máté, the 25-year-old full-back has been loaned to FC DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda in the Slovak First Football League (Niké Liga). The loan agreement runs through the remainder of the 2025–26 European season, with DAC holding an option to make the transfer permanent.
This move marks a return to his native Slovakia for Kmeť, who originally joined the Loons from AS Trenčín in August 2024.
A recurring theme
This is the second consecutive season Kmeť has spent on loan.
After struggling to break into the Minnesota United starting XI upon his arrival in late 2024, Kmeť spent the entirety of the 2025 season on loan with Górnik Zabrze in Poland’s Ekstraklasa. While he found intermittent playing time in Poland—making appearances in both the league and cup competitions—Górnik opted not to exercise their purchase option at the end of the year.
Kmeť returned to Minnesota for the start of 2026 preseason camp, but with the Loons’ roster currently overflowing with defensive options and international roster spots at a premium, another move was necessary.
Why DAC?
For DAC 1904, the move makes perfect sense. As detailed in reports surrounding the transfer, the Slovak giants have been in the market for defensive reinforcements. Kmeť fits the profile perfectly: a domestic player with international experience who knows the league inside and out from his years with Trenčín and Ružomberok.
For Minnesota United, the loan serves a dual purpose:
- Roster compliance: It frees up a crucial international slot for the 2026 MLS season.
- Asset management: With Kmeť’s contract in Minnesota running through the end of 2026 (with a club option for 2027), this loan provides another window for him to showcase his value in hopes of securing a permanent transfer fee in the summer.
Kmeť could make his debut for DAC as early as this weekend as they look to challenge for the title in the Niké Liga.
