With a 5 p.m. Sunday match against the Colorado Rapids at TCF Bank Stadium this week, Minnesota United players had an extra day off from training Tuesday. But a few players, as well as other United staff, spent some time Tuesday afternoon to give back to the community.
Defenders Justin Davis, Jermaine Taylor and Jerome Thiesson as well as goalkeeper John Alvbage helped clear buckthorn, an invasive species, from Afton State Park as part of Major League Soccer's week of service.
"This is something I look forward to everywhere I play," Taylor said. "I always want to go out and engage with the community."
Taylor, a Jamaica native, said he grew up doing a lot of outdoor activities and enjoyed being out in nature. And he and his teammates made it fun, telling each other "teamwork makes the dream work" whether on the pitch or doing yard work.
"Actually, when you look at our part," Taylor said, "we did a great job."
Atlanta United rematch rescheduled
Atlanta United FC announced Tuesday that its Aug. 13 rematch with the Loons will be rescheduled because of continued construction on Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The later date is still to be determined, but the match will occur at the new stadium. The fellow expansion side previously beat the Loons 6-1 in the home opener March 12.
More league honors
Loons' midfielder Kevin Molino made MLS' team of the week bench, aka honorable mention, for week seven after United's 2-2 draw at the Houston Dynamo. Molino had an assist from his corner kick on forward Christian Ramirez's header goal.
Defender Brent Kallman was previously an honorable mention after week three's 2-2 draw at the Colorado Rapids while Ramirez made the team and Adrian Heath was the coach after week five's 4-2 win against Real Salt Lake.
