Minnesota United: What’s latest with James Rodriguez not playing?

TL;DR

James Rodriguez has only played once in Minnesota United's last four matches, which they have won. The team has not needed his involvement as they continue to perform well.

Key points

James Rodriguez has played only one match in the last four for MNUFC
Minnesota United has won four straight matches
The team has a record of 5-2-2 and 17 points
Rodriguez's last significant playtime was 65 minutes in the U.S. Open Cup
MNUFC has not needed Rodriguez's involvement recently

Minnesota UnitedLos Angeles FCFC Dallas

Minnesota United vs. Los Angeles FC

When: 3:55 p.m. Saturday
Where: Allianz Field
Stream: FOX, Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM 1500
Weather: 56 degrees, cloudy, 7 mph west wind

Form: MNUFC and LAFC have identical 5-2-2 records and 17 points, but the Loons have won four straight in MLS, with a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Wednesday. LAFC is winless in their last four, including having only 28% possession in a 0-0 home draw with Colorado midweek.

Storyline: The Loons are flying high in their past four matches, but questions have picked up about why James Rodriguez isn’t more involved. The short answer is MNUFC hasn’t needed the former Golden Boot winner at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Colombian superstar has played in only one of those four matches, and that cameo was as a very late substitute in the 2-0 win over Portland. That came after he started and played 65 minutes in the U.S. Open Cup win on April 14, his longest stretch of playing time for Minnesota.

In Dallas on Wednesday, a hot mic on Apple TV picked up a fan in a profanity-laced rant directed at head coach Cameron Knowles about why James did not see the field. It’s a regular topic for fans, especially in Colombia. Knowles understands coaching James, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner, comes with extra attention.

“Look, it does,” Knowles said. “That is a credit to him and the career he has created, that people feel so passionately about him. Everywhere we go, there are fans that want to see him. He’s a guy that is so gracious and so generous with his time, with all the supporters. We saw it in the hotel in Dallas.”

Given United’s congested schedule, Saturday seems like a prime opportunity for Rodriguez to make his first MLS start.

“He’s fully fit and available to play,” said Knowles, who added fans “may see some” turnover in the overall starting lineup against LAFC.

Context: Both MNUFC and LAFC are juggling other competitions. The Loons have a U.S. Open Cup match at San Jose on Tuesday, while LA has a CONCACAF Champions League semifinal with Toluca on Wednesday. This schedule likely will contribute to squad rotation for both sides. The view here is LAFC should and will put more emphasis in its cup match than Minnesota.

Q&A

Why is James Rodriguez not playing regularly for Minnesota United?

James Rodriguez is not playing regularly because Minnesota United has been performing well without him, winning their last four matches.

How many matches has James Rodriguez played for Minnesota United recently?

James Rodriguez has played in only one of Minnesota United's last four matches.

What is Minnesota United's current form in the MLS?

Minnesota United has a record of 5-2-2 and has won four straight matches in the MLS.

When did James Rodriguez last play a significant role for Minnesota United?

James Rodriguez last played a significant role on April 14, when he started and played 65 minutes in the U.S. Open Cup win.