Global drama and continental clashes highlight a massive week for former Loons
It has been an absolutely breathless stretch for former Minnesota United players plying their trade around the world. From chaotic six-goal thrillers in Switzerland and stoppage-time heartbreak in the FA Cup to tense, physical battles in La Liga and Argentina, the weekend delivered no shortage of drama.
But there is no time to catch our breath. The midweek slate may have only eight matches, but it’s packed with high-stakes action, headlined by the kickoff of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. With alumni scattered across massive continental fixtures and crucial domestic league pushes, the next few days are going to be a wild ride.
Let’s dive right into the weekend recaps and set the stage for a jam-packed midweek schedule!
Monday, Feb. 16
- No matches involving former Loons
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Bristow looks to regain his spot as Tranmere hosts Accrington
Tranmere Rovers host Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park on Tuesday afternoon in a pivotal League Two clash. After finally snapping a six-match losing streak with a 2–0 victory over Crawley Town over the weekend, Tranmere will look to build momentum and secure another three points at home. Ethan Bristow will be fighting to earn his spot back in the matchday squad. After being left out entirely by the manager in their weekend victory, the young defender is looking to return to the pitch and contribute to Tranmere’s push up the table.
- Teams & Competition: Tranmere Rovers vs. Accrington Stanley (League Two)
- Date and Time: Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. CT
- Location: Prenton Park, Birkenhead, England
- How to watch in Minnesota: Streaming on ESPN+
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Arriaga suspended as Oluwaseyi and Villarreal visit Levante
Levante UD welcomes Villarreal CF to the Ciudad de Valencia on Wednesday in La Liga action. Villarreal, currently sitting comfortably in the top four, will look to bounce back from a weekend defeat and solidify their Champions League qualification hopes against a struggling Levante side. For the former Loons, this match will unfortunately not feature a head-to-head battle. Kervin Arriaga is suspended for Levante after receiving a red card deep into stoppage time during Sunday’s match against Valencia. However, Tani Oluwaseyi should be available to feature for Villarreal as he continues to play a physical role in their attacking front.
- Teams & Competition: Levante UD vs. Villarreal CF (La Liga)
- Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- How to watch in Minnesota: Streaming on ESPN+
Nicholson looks to spark Motherwell again against Aberdeen
Motherwell and Aberdeen are set to clash again on Wednesday afternoon, just days after Motherwell secured a 2–0 victory over the Dons at Fir Park. Aberdeen will be desperate for revenge and a result to halt their poor run of form, while Motherwell looks to continue their strong defensive showings. Sam Nicholson will aim to make another decisive impact for Motherwell. After coming off the bench to force a late own goal that sealed the weekend victory against Aberdeen, the Scottish winger has proven he can be a dangerous spark plug for the Steelmen in the closing stages.
- Teams & Competition: Aberdeen vs. Motherwell (Scottish Premiership)
- Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. CT
- Location: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland
- How to watch in Minnesota: Streaming on Paramount+ or televised on CBS Sports Network
Molino leads Defence Force into a massive Champions Cup clash with Philadelphia
The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round kicks off on Wednesday evening as Defence Force F.C. hosts the Philadelphia Union in the first leg. It will be a massive test for the TT Premier Football League side as they welcome heavy MLS opposition. Kevin Molino will lead Defence Force onto the pitch as the club’s captain. The veteran playmaker, who returned to his home country in late 2024 to join the club, will look to use his extensive MLS experience to help orchestrate an upset against the Union on the continental stage.
- Teams & Competition: Defence Force F.C. vs. Philadelphia Union (CONCACAF Champions Cup)
- Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- How to watch in Minnesota: Televised on FS2 or streaming on ViX
Jackson, Zendejas, and Venegas cross paths in Champions Cup action
The CONCACAF Champions Cup action continues late Wednesday night as Costa Rican side CS Cartagines hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps in their first-round, first-leg matchup. Cartagines will be eager to bounce back after a frustrating 1–0 domestic defeat over the weekend, while Vancouver looks to start their 2026 campaign with a strong away result. This fixture features a trio of former Minnesota United players. Johan Venegas will be relied upon to spearhead the Cartagines attack. On the other side, Aziel Jackson could make his competitive debut for the Whitecaps after recently joining the club on loan from Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in late January. Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas is also in the Vancouver squad, providing veteran depth in net.
- Teams & Competition: CS Cartagines vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (CONCACAF Champions Cup)
- Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza Ivankovich, Cartago, Costa Rica
- How to watch in Minnesota: Televised on TUDN, or streaming on Tubi and ViX
Thursday, Feb. 19
Calvo anchors the Al-Ettifaq defense against Al Fateh
Al-Ettifaq returns to Saudi Pro League action on Thursday afternoon, hosting Al Fateh FC. Al-Ettifaq will be looking to secure a crucial home victory to improve their standing in the top half of the table, while Al Fateh hopes to close the gap between the two sides. Francisco Calvo is expected to anchor the defense for Al-Ettifaq once again. The veteran center-back has been a staple in the starting XI and will be tasked with organizing the backline to secure a clean sheet in front of the home supporters.
- Teams & Competition: Al-Ettifaq vs. Al Fateh FC (Saudi Pro League)
- Date and Time: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT
- Location: EGO Stadium, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- How to watch in Minnesota: Televised on FS2 or streaming via the FOX Sports App
Ábila searches for a spark as Estudiantes visits San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo hosts Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto in Argentine Primera División action on Thursday afternoon. Estudiantes will be desperate to stop the bleeding after suffering a brutal 4–0 thrashing at the hands of Atlético Tucumán over the weekend, while San Lorenzo aims to capitalize on the visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities. Ramón Ábila will be hoping for a more prominent role for Estudiantes in this fixture. The veteran striker was limited to a second-half cameo in their recent blowout loss and will be eager to provide an offensive spark from the opening whistle to help his side get back on track.
- Teams & Competition: San Lorenzo vs. Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto (Argentine Primera División)
- Date and Time: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Pedro Bidegain, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- How to watch in Minnesota: Streaming in English on Paramount+ or in Spanish on Fanatiz, TyC Sports, and ViX
Ramirez and LA Galaxy kick off their Champions Cup campaign in Panama
The LA Galaxy begin their 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup journey on Thursday evening, traveling to Panama to face Sporting San Miguelito in the first leg of the opening round. The Galaxy will look to secure a commanding aggregate lead on the road before returning to California for the second leg. Christian Ramirez will be a key piece of the Galaxy’s attacking puzzle. The veteran forward brings a wealth of experience to continental competitions and will be hunting for away goals to put the MLS side in the driver’s seat for the return fixture.
- Teams & Competition: Sporting San Miguelito vs. LA Galaxy (CONCACAF Champions Cup)
- Date and Time: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama
- How to watch in Minnesota: Televised on FS1 and TUDN, or streaming on ViX
