Emanuel “Bebelo” Reynoso has turned into an assist machine for Minnesota United FC during the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, becoming the first player with multiple three-assist playoff games in league history.
The part that makes it even more stunning? Reynoso has done it in back-to-back games, starting with Minnesota’s 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids in Round One and carrying through Thursday evening’s Conference Semifinal at Sporting Kansas City. The single-game assists record is four, which Ante Razov got in September 2000 during a Chicago Fire game against the New England Revolution.
To get a sense of Reynoso’s form, look no further than Kevin Molino’s second goal that made it 2-0 in the 35th minute against Sporting. The Argentine No. 10 dropped an absolute dime to his fellow attacking midfielder, completing a first-half brace.
This isn’t a sudden surge in form, though. Reynoso has provided the assist on 10 of Minnesota’s last 12 goals, a total that spans the playoffs and regular season. Stretching back over five weeks, Reynoso has been dishing out set-ups left and right.
Reynoso, a longtime transfer target of Minnesota’s, arrived Sept. 1 as a Designated Player from Boca Juniors. The 25-year-old took some time adjusting to MLS, but he’s clearly emerging as a top-end playmaker.
So was head coach Adrian Heath spot on when he said Reynoso would “become one of the best players in MLS,” a lofty proclamation that drew headlines? That verdict is still out there, but Bebelo’s quality is evident in spades.
