ICYMI: Nicholson forces late winner, Arriaga sees red, Reynoso leaves early
It was an absolutely breathless weekend for former Minnesota United players plying their trade around the world. Whether it was chaotic six-goal thrillers in Switzerland, frustrating red cards in Spain, or defensive masterclasses in Indonesia, the alumni scattered across the globe delivered no shortage of storylines.
While the current squad is busy wrapping up their preseason prep out in California and integrating James Rodríguez into the mix, our former Loons are thick in the middle of their respective domestic campaigns. We tracked high-stakes FA Cup battles, physical Argentine Primera División clashes, and even a stoppage-time own goal forced by a familiar face over in Scotland.
If you couldn’t keep your screens organized enough to catch all the action across the different time zones, don’t worry. We have you covered with a complete roundup of every former player who took the pitch over the weekend.
Friday, Feb. 13
Calvo and Al-Ettifaq unable to slow down high-flying Al-Hilal
Francisco Calvo and Al-Ettifaq faced the ultimate test on Friday, traveling to Riyadh to take on Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal. Despite a hard-fought effort, the former Minnesota United captain and his defensive unit were unable to contain the star-studded “Blue Waves,” falling 2–0 at the Kingdom Arena.
Hunou’s late cameo not enough as Clermont Foot suffers 2–1 defeat to Rodez
Adrien Hunou and Clermont Foot experienced a devastating finish on Friday afternoon, falling 2–1 to Rodez AF at the Stade Gabriel Montpied. Despite a dream start in front of their home supporters, Clermont surrendered a late goal to drop all three points.
Chacón makes brief appearance as Aarau falls to Stade Lausanne-Ouchy in six-goal thriller
Thomás Chacón and FC Aarau suffered a 4–2 defeat on the road against FC Stade Lausanne-Ouchy on Friday afternoon at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise. The former Minnesota United playmaker made a brief cameo late in the second half of a chaotic match that saw all six goals scored in the opening 50 minutes of play, and his side reduced to 10 men.
Fragapane creates chances but Union held to scoreless draw by San Lorenzo
Franco Fragapane and Union settled for a point on Friday night, battling to a 0–0 draw against San Lorenzo at the Estadio 15 de Abril in Santa Fe. Despite a lively performance from the former Minnesota United winger, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock in a physical Argentine Primera División clash.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Lowe anchors Dewa United defense in 2–0 victory over PSM Makassar
Damion Lowe and Dewa United FC secured a crucial 2–0 away victory over PSM Makassar on Saturday in Liga 1 action. The Jamaican international was a commanding presence on the backline, helping his side earn a clean sheet at the Gelora B.J. Habibie Stadium while the hosts melted down in the second half.
Ramsay and West Brom suffer late FA Cup heartbreak in 3-1 defeat to Norwich
Eric Ramsay and West Bromwich Albion saw their FA Cup run come to an end on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-1 to Norwich City at Carrow Road. Despite a resilient second-half push that leveled the match, the Baggies conceded twice in the final 10 minutes to exit the tournament in the fourth round.
Oluwaseyi features as Villarreal suffers 2-1 defeat to Getafe
Tani Oluwaseyi and Villarreal saw their hopes for a top-four La Liga finish take a hit on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Getafe at the Coliseum. Despite a late push, the Yellow Submarine couldn’t overcome a two-goal deficit on the road.
Ábila makes second-half cameo as Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto gets crushed 4–0
Ramón Ábila and Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto suffered a heavy defeat on Saturday night, falling 4–0 on the road against Atlético Tucumán at the Estadio Monumental José Fierro. The former Minnesota United striker came off the bench in the second half, but the match was already out of reach for a visiting side that struggled defensively from the opening whistle.
Venegas and Cartagines fall to Herediano 1–0 in battle for first place
Johan Venegas and CS Cartagines saw their hopes of claiming the top spot in the Costa Rican Primera División standings take a hit on Saturday night, falling 1–0 on the road against Club Sport Herediano at the Estadio Carlos Alvarado. A shocking first-minute goal from the hosts was enough to separate the two sides in a crucial Clausura clash.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Nicholson forces late own goal as Motherwell secures 2–0 victory over Aberdeen
Motherwell extended their impressive home unbeaten streak on Sunday, securing a 2–0 victory over Aberdeen at Fir Park. Sam Nicholson made a vital impact off the bench in the final minutes, forcing an own goal to seal the three points for the Steelmen in Scottish Premiership action.
Arriaga sees red in stoppage time as Levante falls 2–0 to Valencia
Kervin Arriaga and Levante UD suffered a frustrating 2–0 defeat to Valencia CF on Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. The former Minnesota United midfielder was sent off late in stoppage time to cap off a disappointing La Liga clash for the home side.
Reynoso suffers early injury as Deportivo Cali edges Atlético Nacional 1–0
Emanuel Reynoso’s night ended prematurely on Sunday, but Deportivo Cali still managed to secure a crucial 1–0 home victory over Atlético Nacional at the Estadio Deportivo Cali.
Bran plays full 90 as LD Alajuelense falls 2–1 to Sporting FC
Alejandro Bran and LD Alajuelense suffered a 2–1 defeat at home against Sporting FC in Primera División Clausura action. Despite a second-half penalty to cut the deficit, the hosts couldn’t complete the comeback after digging themselves an early hole.
