Minnesota United Vs LA Galaxy: 5 things to watch for – Zlatan absence offers a chance
By Tyler Hanson
4. Mike and Ike
Minnesota United has had a historically bad defense ever since its entrance into MLS two years ago. Last week’s 3-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes was the first shut out in nearly a full calendar year, the United defense stifling the Quakes’ attack in San Jose.
This offseason, however, Minnesota added Ika Opara to partner Michael Boxall at the heart of the defense. The physically-imposing pairing will hope to carry that momentum they created against San Jose on to LA, as they try to shut down the Zlatan-less Galaxy.
Though the team struggled on set pieces in Vancouver, Boxall and Opara hardly put a foot wrong during open-play and used size and strength to their advantage to frustrate attackers. Their form thus far is made even more impressive when you consider that the pair have barely played together. As the season goes on and they build more of a rapport, they could be one of the best center-back pairings in MLS, which would be quite the change from the last two seasons.