Minnesota United enhances focus on player analytics strategies

Minnesota United has been making strides in soccer analytics, despite past rankings placing them at the bottom of Major League Soccer (MLS). Since 2020, a soccer statistics website has evaluated MLS teams' analytics departments, and Minnesota consistently ranked low. Previously, they had no staff dedicated to analytics, leading to a perception that they lagged behind other teams. However, in summer 2024, Minnesota hired a new team member focused on analytics, which helped improve their ranking, even as they finished last in a survey regarding analytics credibility. Currently, they are working with a group of soccer analytics consultants from American Soccer Analytics (ASA), which they partnered with in late 2023, prior to hiring new leaders for the team. The club's Head of Recruitment, Hank Stebbins, is a supporter of ASA and has emphasized gathering thorough information on potential players. This involves analyzing data from various leagues worldwide to identify player prospects. Recent player signings reflect a broad scouting network, including talent from countries like Argentina, Belgium, and South Korea. Despite their previous low ranking in analytics, the Loons are now focused on creating a data-driven environment. The coaching and recruitment teams regularly base decisions on statistics. Stebbins believes everyone in recruitment should engage in analytical work to gather comprehensive player data. As they prepare to face the LA Galaxy, Minnesota United is dealing with injuries to several starters. Meanwhile, LA is struggling in their early season performance but features past Minnesota favorite Christian Ramirez, who recently scored for the Galaxy.