Emanuel Reynoso influential in first game back for Minnesota United

Minnesota United's Emanuel Reynoso, who was previously suspended for failing to report to pre-season training camp, played his first game of the 2023 Major League Soccer season and helped the Loons earn a point vs Toronto FC.

Saturday night, Reynoso made his first appearance for Minnesota United since October 17th, 2022, when they bowed out of the MLS playoffs vs. FC Dallas on penalties.

Reynoso's last-gasp cross eventually led to the equalizing goal from Kervin Arriaga. In just 25 minutes off the bench, Reynoso proved that he was picking up where he last left off for the Loons.

"He gave us a lift, didn't he, with his quality," Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath said. "You know we can’t afford to be without our better players. We can’t. That’s the harsh reality of it all. And Rey is one of our best players, and he showed that tonight."

Reynoso was a fingertip save away from scoring in his return.

Now, the Argentine will focus on sharpness and fitness as Heath will allow him more minutes in the games to come. Reynoso is crucial to Minnesota's success and they'll need him to push for a playoff spot.

"He's still got a long way to go, but I think we saw glimpses of his quality tonight," Heath claimed. "He's engaged. He wants to play and he showed us what we have been missing tonight a little bit."

With 20 points collected from 16 games, Minnesota United have slowly crept up the Western Conference table and are in seventh place. Their next test comes against the inconsistent CF Montreal on Saturday night.

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