The Pitch: Minnesota’s All-Stars Dazzle as Loons Charge up the Western Conference Table

With anticipation rising for MLS All-Star in Minnesota, the striking form of the host club is amplifying the excitement. In recent weeks, Minnesota United FC has scorched through opponents on a five-match unbeaten run that has catapulted the Loons from 11th place in the Western Conference on June 28 into fourth place this week, as a pair of MLS All-Star players lead the way.

MLS All-Star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso has six goals and two assists over the course of those four wins and a draw, scoring his third brace of the season against D.C. United on Saturday to earn MLS Player of the Week presented by Continental Tire for the first time in his career.

As Minnesota’s attack hits its stride, the club’s MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has stifled oppositions all season long. The Canadian international ranks in the top three in MLS in saves (67) this season and could solidify himself as a potential MLS All-Star starter in front of his home fans.

With St. Clair and Reynoso maintaining their momentum, Minnesota could move up to third place in the Western Conference when they travel to face Mexican National Team captain Héctor Herrera and Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, MLS Live on ESPN+).

Empowered by New Ownership Group, RSL Returns to Winning Ways

The turn of the year marked a new era for Real Salt Lake – one that just keeps getting better. With the January announcement of a new ownership group, featuring David Blitzer and Ryan Smith, came new energy that has translated into both on- and off-the-field success. On the field, the club currently sits in third place in the Western Conference and sixth place in Supporters’ Shield standings, while, off the field, their supporters have shown up and shown out, recording10 consecutive sell-out home crowds at Rio Tinto Stadium this season.

A reinvigorated and community-first ethos has swept over the gameday atmosphere through various initiatives the club has made this year, as an intimidating sea of claret-and-cobalt in the stands has helped RSL turn the RioT into a fortress once again.

Real Salt Lake are one of only two MLS teams that has yet to lose a home game in 2022 (7-0-3), and they are for tied for thesecond most points at home (24) this season. Reaping the rewards is academy product Justen Glad – who is having career season as a 10-year veteran of the club this year – while the return of club icon Jefferson Savarino has bolstered the…