At first it might seem like there’s nothing subtle about Darwin Quintero. The spotlight has, after all, rarely left Minnesota United’s first Designated Player since his signing was announced on March 30. He leads the team in goals with six and is tied for second in assists despite missing the team’s first five matches. Never mind that “Designated Player” is at its heart a purely financial designation — a bit of logistical jargon that’s acquired the sheen of “All-Star” without having anything strictly to do with performance. Quintero arrived in Minnesota freighted with expectations about what he would do on the pitch and few would argue he hasn’t lived up to them, particularly after his and the team’s first hat trick in MLS against Toronto FC on July 4.
Loon Crush: Darwin Quintero
