Minnesota's Reynoso cleared to return to action; All-Star recently ended absence
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota United star Emanuel Reynoso has been cleared to resume full participation in team activities following his early-season no-show, the MLS club announced on Tuesday.
The two-time All-Star midfielder was suspended without pay by Major League Soccer on Feb. 10 after failing to report to preseason training. Minnesota United officials cited unspecified family issues as the reason for Reynoso's absence. The 27-year-old finally traveled from his native Argentina to Minnesota on May 6 to begin the reintegration process.
“There’s going to have to be a few ‘sorrys,' for sure,” coach Adrian Heath told reporters last week. "But I know football players. I’ve seen an awful lot of things go on in dressing rooms in my time, and they’re a pretty forgiving lot. At the end of the day, if he comes in and works hard and shows that he wants to integrate within the group and help us win games, I’m sure he’ll be welcomed by everybody in the group.”
Reynoso has 16 goals and 28 assists in 71 games for Minnesota since joining the club midway through the 2020 season. Last September, he signed a three-year designated player contract extension with a club option for 2026. He's the highest-paid player on the Loons with full-season compensation of more than $2.1 million scheduled for 2023, according to MLS Players Association salary data.
Minnesota (3-5-3) is in ninth place in the Western Conference, with just 10 goals in 11 games.
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