As a general industry rule, I try not to let family ties influence my writing.



Forty-five minutes into Minnesota’s away date against Los Angeles FC, the Loons were down 2-0. I was prepping my iPhone to give a Periscope Live Q&A, as I often do on Wednesday nights. Suddenly, I get a call from my grandpa, asking to talk about Francisco Calvo.



“Who the hell is this guy?”



My grandpa’s spent some 40-odd years around the game, so it’s a well-informed comment. Through 10 games of Minnesota’s season, I’ve been among the Costa Rican international’s critics, specifically in regards to his positioning within a four-man backline. Undoubtedly, he’s the Minnesota defender with the most raw athletic talent. However, he’s been Minnesota’s biggest liability in defense through the early-goings of the 2018 campaign.



Through 30 minutes, Minnesota did well to slow LAFC down. The expansion side has...