If playing three matches in nine days last week (vs. FC Dallas, vs. Toronto FC, at Houston Dynamo) seemed like a grueling stretch, Minnesota United has another thing coming.



The Loons are in the midst of a stretch, from June 29 to July 22, where they will play seven games over the course of 24 days — highlighted by six league matches. The international friendly against Saprissa Wednesday night only further congests a slate that’s hardly friendly. With that much action in such a condensed timespan, a team has to be careful with the number of minutes it gives key players, the way it spreads minutes across its roster, and the chances it gives its young, hungry players to try to work into the rotation.



In its 4-3 win against Toronto FC last Wednesday, Minnesota rode a wave created by Darwin Quintero to the entirety of the three points. Further from the spotlight, Miguel Ibarra scored and added an assist, while Christian Ramirez’s hold-up play and...