Jackson returns to Minnesota United on loan after Vancouver spell
Jackson returns to Minnesota United on loan after Vancouver spell
Struggling Minnesota United have moved to bolster their attack ahead of a difficult road test, bringing Aziel Jackson back to the club on loan for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season.
A familiar face back at the Loons
The 24-year-old spent the first half of the 2026 MLS campaign on loan with the Vancouver Whitecaps, but the Loons have now acquired Jackson from Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok with an option for a permanent transfer.
Jackson previously spent time with Minnesota in 2022, though he only featured for the first team in the US Open Cup. Across his MLS career, he has made 81 appearances in spells with St. Louis City, the Columbus Crew and Vancouver, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.
"I'm excited to be back with Minnesota United," Jackson told the club website. "I'm really happy to be a part of this great organisation and team again. The city and fans have always had a special place in my heart.
"I'm happy to be back home, go Loons!"
Sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad welcomed the attacker's return, saying: "We welcome Aziel back to Minnesota United. He's a talented player who gives us another option in attack as we enter an important stretch of the season.
"His familiarity with the league, the club and Cameron [Knowles, head coach] should help him settle in quickly, and we look forward to his contributions."
Tough assignment in Salt Lake
The attacker is now raring to go for the Loons, who face Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Despite failing to win any of their last four MLS games, RSL sit fifth in the Western Conference.
Salt Lake have, however, qualified for the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup after winning two of their three matches, with their only defeat coming in a penalty shoot-out.
Players to watch
Real Salt Lake – Saba Lobjanidze
Both of Lobjanidze's assists this season have come since joining Real Salt Lake, and both have arrived as a substitute. Since the beginning of last season, his four assists off the bench are fewer than only Alejandro Bedoya (five) among all MLS players.
Minnesota United – Joaquin Pereyra
Against San Diego FC, Pereyra provided his team-leading eighth MLS assist of the season and his 20th with the Loons. He becomes the fourth Minnesota player to record at least 20 career regular-season assists for the club, joining Darwin Quintero (20), Emanuel Reynoso (33) and Robin Lod (34).
Match prediction – Real Salt Lake win
Real Salt Lake's seven wins in their first eight regular-season home matches (L1) this season are the club's most at this stage of a home campaign. Over the last three seasons, RSL have won 27 home games in the regular season, fewer than only Los Angeles FC (29).
Minnesota, meanwhile, have not won a regular-season game since a road win on May 2 against Columbus and are now winless in their last seven MLS matches (D4 L3).
However, including the playoffs, seven of the last nine meetings between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United have finished in a draw (including two penalty shoot-outs in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs). The seven draws are the most in any fixture involving two MLS teams since the start of the 2023 season.
Opta win probability
- Real Salt Lake – 43.7%
- Draw – 26.8%
- Minnesota United – 29.5%