Pain in his calf and adductor muscles, not to mention circumstance, limited Minnesota United star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso in training and the past two games before Saturday's against FC Dallas.
"He has hardly done anything between games, which is not ideal," Loons coach Adrian Heath said, referring to a quick turnaround from Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Vancouver.
Reynoso played on anyway. He started Saturday despite those nagging injuries because Heath says Reynoso is starting to play like his old self.
"I feel as though he's coming back to the Reynoso of last year," Heath said. "He's got his energy levels going again."
Reynoso scored his first goal this season in last week's 3-2 loss at Colorado and played into the 71st minute. He played 86 minutes Wednesday before Jacori Hayes came on for him.
Reynoso started on the left side in both games, with Robin Lod in the middle and Hassani Dotson on the right wing.
"We're feeling more comfortable with each game," Reynoso said in Spanish in an interview conducted by a team employee/translator. "We're gaining confidence and chemistry on the pitch, which is important. I think we're on the right path."
On Saturday, Reynoso moved back into the middle with Dotson on the left and Ethan Finlay back in the 11 on the right side.
Changes
Heath adjusted his lineup with his team playing its third game in a week. He went to a 4-2-3-1 that put Lod back up top, Wil Trapp and Jan Gregus together in a tandem while Ozzie Alonso was made a sub after playing all 180 minutes in two games within four days. Defender Brent Kallman started at center back for Jukka Raitala, who had a swollen knee. Raitala had started for Bakaye Dibassy, who hasn't played this season because of a thigh injury.
Happy together
Reynoso was on the field Wednesday when his former Boca Juniors teammate Ramon Abila scored his first MLS goal with a flicked-on header in the 74nd minute that stood as the game winner.
"A great sense of joy," Reynoso said. "I know what [Abila] can do. When he has the opportunity one or two situations, he'll make you regret it."
Revised mask policy
Starting Saturday, all Allianz Field guests are strongly encouraged — but not required — to wear masks in the stadium's outdoor spaces. Masks remain mandated in all indoor areas for ages 2 and older, unless actively eating and drinking. The previous policy urged fans to wear masks as soon as they left their vehicle. The team announced the change based on new CDC guidance.
For mental health
Loons players wore green ribbons on their jerseys and coaches and broadcasters from both teams wore green ribbon lapel pins to commemorate Mental Health Awareness month here in May.
The stadium's skin was lit green — the color that represents mental-health awareness — at halftime. The broadcast and stadium signage featured phone hotline numbers and "If you need help" messaging.
