The MNUFC beat

Slow to update, slow to share, but happy about all of it.

Image credit: Daniel Mick Photography

I haven’t written much in Substack form recently, and for a somewhat good reason: I’ve been pretty swamped with writing about MNUFC, and I fell briefly out of the habit of updating here.

I’ll include some links to recent articles at the bottom, but first, I’ll give you my story about the whole thing.

In April, when the Star Tribune asked me to be the substitute teacher on their Loons beat, so to speak, all I knew was that I was around until the Timberwolves were out of the playoffs. So I guess I have the Timberwolves to thank for all of this; if they hadn’t made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, who knows what might have happened?

Thanks to them, my stint extended all the way up to last week, when it had to end because I’d agreed long ago to fill in this week for the inimitable Andy Greder, who covers the team for the Pioneer Press. After the Wolves season ended on May 30, that was all I knew - I’d be covering the June 8 game for the Star Tribune, writing my last article for them on the following Friday, then covering three games this week for the Pioneer Press.

I was sad to be done. I’ve been a freelance sportswriter for forever, but never able to do all of the beat-writer day-to-day things. I didn’t know if I’d like it; it turns out that I really love it.

Anyway, I posted farewells to the Star Tribune beat on social media, turned in my last article, and prepared for a week with the Pioneer Press, followed by the rest of my life. And an hour later I got an email from the Star Tribune’s sports editor, asking if he could call and talk about a plan for July through November.

As it turns out, they had liked my coverage, wanted me to keep going, and had been working on getting approval to keep me aboard.

Rest of life on hold!

I should be around for the rest of this season, between the Star Tribune and other dates that I’ve agreed to fill in for the Pioneer Press (mostly during football season; Andy also covers Gopher football for the Pioneer Press, and obviously they and MNUFC both mostly play Saturday afternoon / evening games.)

I’ll try to keep sending out links and commentary here, as well. I appreciate everyone who’s subscribed here, especially those who started reading when I’d talk about more than just the Loons.

Here’s a few recent links, as we move onto this next phase:

MNUFC demonstrates there’s more to the picture than just expected goals

Seattle 2, Minnesota 0: Loons add another L to losing streak in Seattle

FC Dallas 5, Minnesota 3: Defensive miscues doom Loons to defeat in Dallas