Minnesota United Faces Turnover Ahead of 10th MLS Season

New coach, goalkeeper, and star player departures raise questions about the Loons' ability to maintain top-tier status.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Minnesota United's 10th season in MLS comes with significant roster changes, including the departure of head coach Eric Ramsay, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, and leading goal scorer Robin Lod. The team has promoted longtime assistant Cameron Knowles to head coach, signed former Miami 'keeper Drake Callender, and made the surprising addition of Colombian superstar James Rodriguez on a short-term deal. Pundits predict the Loons will take a step back this season, but the team remains confident in their ability to compete at a high level.

Why it matters

Minnesota United has established itself as one of the top teams in MLS over the past two seasons, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2025. The significant roster turnover raises questions about whether the team can maintain that level of success, especially with lower external expectations heading into the new campaign.

The details

The Loons have seen their head coach, Eric Ramsay, leave for a job in England, while reigning MLS goalkeeper of the year Dayne St. Clair and leading goal scorer Robin Lod have also departed. The newcomers include longtime assistant Cameron Knowles as the new head coach, former Miami 'keeper Drake Callender, and the signing of Colombian star James Rodriguez on a short-term deal. Knowles wants to implement a more aggressive, possession-focused style of play, but it remains to be seen how the new players will fit in and replace the production of the departed stars.

  • Minnesota United's 10th MLS season begins on Saturday, February 25, 2026.
  • The Loons have 15 league games before the World Cup break in June, when they will need to decide whether to exercise Rodriguez's contract option for the rest of the season.

The players

Cameron Knowles

Longtime Minnesota United assistant coach who has been promoted to head coach.

Drake Callender

Former Miami 'keeper who has joined Minnesota United to replace the departed Dayne St. Clair.

James Rodriguez

Colombian superstar who has signed a short-term deal with Minnesota United ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“People will always see things from the outside and internally we have a really driven group of players. We have guys that have high expectations. We have guys that are at various points in their careers, some that are coming in young, hungry, ready. Others that are getting toward the end that are desperate to have a chance to win something.”

— Cameron Knowles, Head Coach (twincities.com)

“I'm in a stage where I can't fail, where I have to do things right. It's true and everyone was right that (getting ready for the World Cup) was one of the big reasons I was able to come here. The club made it clear that they can help me with that.”

— James Rodriguez (twincities.com)

What’s next

The Loons will need to determine before the World Cup break in June whether they will exercise James Rodriguez's contract option for the rest of the 2026 MLS season.

The takeaway

Minnesota United faces significant roster turnover heading into its 10th MLS season, raising questions about whether the team can maintain its recent success. However, the Loons remain confident in their ability to compete at a high level, with a motivated group of players and the addition of star power in James Rodriguez, if he can stay healthy and focused.