Since the FIFA World Cup break, Minnesota United players and coaches have heard punctuating boos from fans after the final whistle in the past three matches at Allianz Field.
A fourth match in that span — a 2-1 loss to last-place Sporting Kansas City — likely would have brought the same criticism, but it was held in Kansas.
The latest sign of displeasure came from a half-full stadium after the Loons' 2-1 loss to FC Juarez on Tuesday, the last-place team in Mexico 's Liga MX. The defeat in the first game of Leagues Cup all but eliminated MNUFC from the continental tournament.
"They should be frustrated," head coach Cameron Knowles said in a postgame message to fans. "The (players) are resolute in wanting to bring joy to this place. We know what this place is like when it's going well. We know what it's like when there are three points in here. We haven't felt that for a really long time."
The Loons haven't won at home since April 18 and are winless in eight matches in all competitions since May 2 at Columbus, with a two-month break for the World Cup to make this dearth longer. All told, MNUFC has slipped out of spots for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"We know because of the run we are on, we are going to have to put so much into the way that we train and into our performances in order to bring that back," Knowles said. "Fans have every right to be disappointed. They should be.
"But I know that there is a group of guys in there that are going to work hard, that are going to dig deep and are going to do everything they can over the next couple games and, as we start back up the (MLS) regular season, to bring back that energy and joy to the stadium."
The Loons' current struggles include what Knowles calls a "domino effect" of defensive errors leading to goals conceded and an offense that can't stack up scoring chances, much less goals. They could use an influx of players in the summer transfer window, but no deals have been done yet.
The window closes in less than a month.
The form has led some fans on social media to call for Knowles to be fired, but there is no indication that will happen. Loons Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad showed patience with Eric Ramsay during a nine-game winless skid in 2024, and he's expected to do so again with Knowles.
While Ramsay dealt with a bevy of players out during that long skid, the current Loons have dealt with growing pains in adjusting away from Ramsay's ultra-conservative defensive style to a more attacking mindset under Knowles.
Time will be granted to the first-year head coach, the Pioneer Press has learned.
Loons backup goalkeeper Alec Smir started in net versus Juarez and heard the fans boo as he walked off the field.
"It's disappointing for us because they deserve so much more," Smir said. "We're out here trying to give them what they deserve. They come out here on a Tuesday and support us and push us. They give everything for us, and we need to give everything for them."
Center back Morris Duggan wore the captain's armband against Juarez. The 25-year-old German called it a "huge honor" on a difficult night.
"This (Juarez loss) really stings because, obviously, you want to take responsibility, and I'm feeling the loss a lot," Duggan said. "I'm sorry to disappoint the fans. All I can say is that these next two (Leagues Cup) games we're going to give it our all. We want to come back, get wins, reward our fans. We are going to sing (victory song) 'Wonderwall.' "
