The Ghanaian midfielder is having an impactful role in the Loons' Fall Season campaign

Kalif Alhassan had an unenviable task to start the Fall Season. He stepped into the Minnesota United lineup in a position that was long held by fan favorite and U.S. international Miguel Ibarra.

The Loons, along with Alhassan, have been flying high ever since, though, despite not having last season’s Golden Boot winner for the majority of 2015.

Ibarra transferred to Club León on June 11, and Alhassan was tapped to fill the void. Alhassan’s started 15 matches since July 4 compared to three in the Spring Season, and the Ghanaian midfielder was ready to take the opportunity.

“Miguel is a good player, everyone knows Miguel,” Alhassan told NASL.com. “He was doing really well for the team, but he left and it hurt us a little bit.

“I was given the opportunity and it’s been working well. I’m glad I had the opportunity and I’m taking it.”

Alhassan, 24, has become a vital cog for Minnesota. He’s formed a strong partnership with attacking fullback Justin Davis down the left-hand side, added plenty of width and creativity into the attack, and has contributed four goals to go along with five assists.

The midfielder was quick to point to his teammates for his success, noting a team-first mentality and the next man being ready to step in when called upon approach has been at the crux of the Loons’ strong Fall Season campaign. It’s led to a 10-game unbeaten streak, and an impressive run at NSC Stadium, where the Loons have lost just once this season.

“It’s not just me, it’s about the team,” he said. “We think about the team first. We also keep working together to get the job done.

“We have a really good team – a deep team. Everybody can play. Once you get a chance, you have to take your chance because there’s another person waiting to step up.”

Alhassan’s four goals this season are the highest-total in league play in his career. He’s also shown a knack for the spectacular when he’s found the back of the net this season.

“I would love to score every game,” Alhassan said, “but if I don’t score, I just want to play really well for the team to score and to win. For me, it doesn’t matter who scores as long as we get the win.”

The midfielder has also proven dangerous from set pieces, whether finding the top corner on shots at goal or finding teammates in positions to score. Alhassan utilized his abilities from set pieces at times in the past with MLS’s Portland Timbers, but the return to the role as the main free-kick taker in Minnesota is one he has welcomed.

“When I came here, [head coach] Manny [Lagos] gave me the opportunity because he knows what I can do,” Alhassan said. “He’s seen me in practice so he knows what I can do on set pieces. I’m glad I’m taking the chances and scoring some goals off it.”

Alhassan knows his individual success means nothing without claiming a championship, though. Minnesota is in the hunt for the Fall Season title and can also still earn the top seed for The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament, depending on how results down the stretch shake out.

“I would love to win a championship with the club,” Alhassan said. “It’s what I wanted to do in Portland, but I never got the chance. Right now I have a chance to win a championship, so I have to step up my game, keep working hard and listening to the coaches, and then we can get the job done together as a group.”

For Alhassan and the Loons, it’s a simple process to continue the postseason push and make a run at lifting the Soccer Bowl trophy in November.

“We have to keep doing what we’re doing,” Alhassan said. “It’s all about three points, it doesn’t matter who we play.”