James Rodriguez Struggles to Find His Groove with Minnesota United James Rodriguez’s tenure with Minnesota United has been marked by a series of setbacks, with the Colombian midfielder sidelined for multiple games since joining the team in early February. The 34-year-old, once a star at Real Madrid, has faced challenges adapting to his new environment, including visa delays, fitness concerns, and a recent hospitalization due to severe dehydration. As the Loons prepare for their match against L.A. Galaxy on Saturday, Rodriguez’s latest absence raises questions about his ability to integrate into the team’s lineup. Rodriguez’s initial struggles began almost immediately after his February 2026 arrival. The midfielder, who had not played in a competitive match since November 2025, was excluded from the season opener against Austin FC due to a pending work visa. Despite securing his visa just days before the game, he remained on the bench for the home opener against FC Cincinnati, where he was not even warmed up for the second half due to freezing temperatures in St. Paul. Head coach Cameron Knowles acknowledged the difficulty of integrating Rodriguez into the team’s rhythm under such conditions, noting that the player had only completed one week of training before the match. The midfielder’s first meaningful action came on March 15, when he made his MLS debut in a 27-minute appearance against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Though he created a scoring chance, his limited playing time highlighted the team’s cautious approach. Rodriguez then played 14 minutes in a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders on March 22, where he again contributed with two chances created.#james_rodriguez #minnesota_united #st_paul #cameron_knowles #colombian_football_federation
