SHORT TAKES
• More proof that pro soccer fits in Minnesota: just like their local counterparts in other leagues, Minnesota has had a terrible time of things in championship games. Since turning professional in 1994, Minnesota's various teams have made six league finals — and lost four of them. Only New England, which is zero for five in MLS Cup finals, has more title-game losses.
• The preview of the big European leagues, apart from the Premier League, is pretty simple: Bayern Munich will win the Bundesliga, Juventus will win Serie A, Paris Saint-Germain will win Ligue 1, and either Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Atletico Madrid will win La Liga. Also, one of those six teams will win the Champions League. All of these are yearly occurrences, and there's no reason to believe this year will be any different.
• Maple Grove native Cody Cropper, who had been playing in England for MK Dons in the second division, is returning to American shores. Cropper signed with New England this week, his first American contract after four professional seasons in England.
