With a playoff spot firmly in their sights, Minnesota United has brought in fullback Chris Klute on loan for the remainder of the season. Klute, 26, comes from the Portland Timbers.
Klute is no stranger to the NASL, having come through the late Atlanta Silverbacks’ system to eventually play 12 matches for their first team in 2012. He was loaned to (and eventually sold to) the Colorado Rapids in 2013, making 39 appearances across 57 matches in two seasons and earning calls for him to be brought into the USMNT setup. His playing time slipped with a 2015 move to Columbus Crew and in the offseason he was traded to Portland in December 2015 for allocation money.
Klute (pronounced cloo-tee) played eight matches with Portland, seen as a potential replacement for outgoing left back Jorge Villafaña while competing for time with Zarek Valentin. Still 26, he figures to have plenty to offer for Minnesota.
The timing of this move is also notable. Incumbent left back Justin Davis hasn’t had much by way of competition this season, and the club had a tough time filling his place when he was suspended with a red card earlier this Fall Season. Klute is a quick player, able to fill in at right back in a pinch and known as being a true two-way player in attack and defense on the left. As Minnesota looks to extend their shutout streak this weekend in New York, the veteran will be a welcome addition for this match and the rest of the season.
Klute will join acquisitions Damion Lowe (via Seattle Sounders) and Bernardo Añor (from Sporting Kansas City) as MLS loanees. If he is finding himself on the outs with Portland, this loan period will likely serve as an extended trial period as the Loons look to build their MLS expansion lineup.
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