31 August 2023
When Darwin Quintero arrived in Minnesota in 2018, the diminutive Colombian showed what a playmaking Designated Player could provide the Loons.
Nicknamed El Scientifico de Gol, Quintero dazzled and went on to score 27 goals in all competitions through 2019, and that mark stood as the club’s MLS-era record for nearly four seasons.
Step aside, Darwin. Rey now shares the throne.
Emanuel Reynoso, who has set a higher standard in DP playmaking for the Loons, moved into a tie with Quintero, scoring two goals in a 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night at Allianz Field.
Quintero, now 35 and playing for CD America in his native Columbia, had his single best game in a Loons shirt on July 4, 2018, with a hat trick at TCF Bank Stadium. Reynoso had his sights on his own hat trick, but he laced a long-range shot barely wide in the 67th minute and remained stuck on a brace.
Behind Reynoso, the Loons (9-8-8, 35 points) began to rectify an abysmal home record with their first win in St. Paul since July 1. The last-place Rapids (3-12-10, 19 points) remain wayward.
Reynoso wasn’t the only bright spot in the Loons’ attack on Wednesday.
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi made his first Loons start in place of injured right winger Bongi Hlongwane (knee). His hard shot on frame in the 28th minute was saved by Marko Ilic, but Reynoso lurked at the back post and finished the rebound.
Reynoso’s first goal came off a penalty kick in the 18th minute. He set it up with some deft dribbling before being dragged down by Ralph Priso in the box.
Tajouri-Shradi later threaded a great through ball for Teemu Pukki to finish just before halftime. It was a much-needed goal for Pukki, who ended a 729-minute scoring drought since July 12.
Tajouri-Shradi has been impactful in nearly every MLS game he’s played in for MNUFC. He scored against Houston, assisted against New York City, had a quality scoring chance against Seattle and assisted Wednesday.
The attacking pair received a nice applause at Allianz Field when they exited in the 63rd minute.
When Reynoso exited in the 81st minute, Loons supporters gave him an even bigger applause.
Briefly
MNUFC continues to explore options to bring in Caden Clark, a Medina native who has been with RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder, however, wouldn’t be able to play for the Loons this season because the summer transfer window closed in early August. The Bundesliga transfer window will shut on Friday. … Loons right back D.J. Taylor received a yellow card in the second half Wednesday and will be suspended for Saturday’s game at San Jose due to card accumulation.
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