Veterans Michael Boxall and Robin Lod have racked up more than 100 appearances apiece for Minnesota United in all competitions since 2017. They have been there, done that.
Both Loons regulars remarked in preseason how Bongi Hlongwane has infused the team with his youthful exuberance, everyday smile and positive outlook.
“I think it’s who I am,” Hlongwane told the Pioneer Press this week. “I’m happy to be with the guys. When I see them, I’m always happy and always laugh.”
The 22-year-old South African’s goals have helped buoy the team’s spirits as well. Hlongwane is in a three-way tie for most goals (two) as MNUFC (3-2-2, 11 points) will play Seattle Sounders (5-2-1, 16 points) at 9:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Lumen Field.
Hlongwane also has brought joy with his goal celebrations.
The day before he scored in the 2-1 loss to Orlando City last weekend, Hlongwane was chatting with fullback D.J. Taylor about a dance he used to do with Thabiso Kutumela when they played together for Martizburg United in South Africa in 2020-21.
“By the time I scored the goal, maybe you could see, I was pointing at (Taylor),” Hlongwane said. “Then I was waiting for him. It was me and him doing it because he knew what we planned.”
Hlongwane has gotten more comfortable on the field as well. His two goals have come in 540 minutes of action and equal the two he scored across 1,598 minutes a season ago.
“I think he’s been particularly good this season,” manager Adrian Heath said Tuesday.
Hlongwane was brought to Minnesota as an MLS Under-22 Initiative signing in 2022. MNUFC paid an approximately $500,000 transfer fee to Martizberg United for Hlongwane.
Over the last year, Heath has been harping for Hlongwane to make more runs into the 18-yard box, and that’s what he did for his goal against Orlando.
“Every time (Heath) wants me to go forward, he is shouting at me,” Hlongwane said. “I scored the goal, I would say, on the back post. Then I think he was happy about that.”
Lod and Hassani Dotson’s combination play opened up the Lions defense on the right side. then Dotson crossed it to Hlongwane for a tap-in only a few yards from goal.
“I guarantee you six months ago he would not have been outside the penalty area,” Heath said. “He’s starting to take in the information. When the ball is going down the opposite side, he’s got to be in the box, he’s got to be in one-touch finish area. … You got to get in that area; that is where goals are scored.”
Hlongwane has an expected goals of 2.5 this season, according to fbref, meaning analytics say he could and should have scored a bit more. That includes the second minute against Orlando.
Hlongwane made a nice run into the box on a counter attack. Mender Garcia fed him a pass inside the 18, but Hlongwane didn’t put a shot on frame.
“It was a poor finish,” Heath said. “He thinks it bobbled up a little bit on him, but he’s in the right spot again. … One thing about Bongi is he has the physical capacity to keep doing that.”
Hlongwane doesn’t believe the Orlando match was his best of the season. He felt his personal best came in the 1-0 win over St. Louis City on April 1, when he didn’t score but had six shot-creating actions and 0.5 expected assists.
The St. Louis, Chicago and Orlando matches represent the first time in his MNUFC tenure where he’s had 20-plus touches in the 18-yard box in each contest.
Hlongwane has played primarily on the right side this season, but flipped to the left wing versus Orlando. The left side is where he said he feels most comfortable because he can cut inside on his more-dominant right foot.
Hlongwane said the physicality of MLS took some getting used to a year ago. “I came here and I would say I was fast and whenever I go against the fullback, or whoever, I felt like they were pulling me. I had to go the gym and work on myself. Now I think I’ve done that, but I still need to work more on that. Now no one comes and just pushes me like last season. I feel like I’m getting stronger.”
Briefly
The Sounders’ .833 winning percentage (10-1-1) against United is the best for any team against another in at least 10 matches played in MLS history. That includes a perfect 7-0-0 mark all time in Seattle. “I’m not going to worry we haven’t won here before,” Heath said Friday. “I just want us to go and play our game.” … Loons left back Kemar Lawrence did not travel with team to Washington as the Jamaican supports family during his mother’s health issue. … The Sounders will be without striker Raul Ruidiaz, who was reportedly injured a hamstring scoring a goal in training this week. … Seattle’s leading scorer Jordan Morris, who has eight goals this season, will likely have a more-limited role after playing 89 minutes in the U.S. men’s national team’s 1-1 draw with Mexico on Wednesday. Morris helped set up Jesus Ferreira for the Americans’ equalizing goal. … Loons backup center back Mikael Marques has his second ankle injury of the young season. He is expected to miss weeks, Heath said.
