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MLS: 3 new MLS Cup contenders based on first two weeks

By Andrew Dowdeswell

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Ike Opara #3 of the Minnesota United FC is congratulated by Chase Gasper #77 after Opara scored a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half of their MLS Soccer game in the first half at Earthquakes Stadium on March 07, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Ike Opara #3 of the Minnesota United FC is congratulated by Chase Gasper #77 after Opara scored a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half of their MLS Soccer game in the first half at Earthquakes Stadium on March 07, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 01: Luis Amarilla #9 of the Minnesota Unitedreacts after missing a shot on goal during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on March 01, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Minnesota won 3-1. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 01: Luis Amarilla #9 of the Minnesota Unitedreacts after missing a shot on goal during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on March 01, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Minnesota won 3-1. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

2. Minnesota United

Some might be a little confused as to why I have named Minnesota United as a surprise contender for MLS Cup. They were one of the better teams in 2019, qualified for their first-ever playoff appearance, and returned many of the players that achieved such success.

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However, while perhaps the general cognoscente was higher on the Loons, I was doubtful that they could replicate that performance level. Despite playing bit-part roles, both Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez had departed, while, more pertinently, they had not really added to other areas of the squad and were relying on ageing players continuing that same level of play.

But, in the first two games of the season, it is quite plain that Minnesota have the horses to replicate their form from last year. Ike Opara is still a Defender of the Year candidate, Tyler Miller has replaced Vito Mannene aptly, Jan Gregus-Ozzie Alonso could be the best central midfield partnership in the league.

Minnesota might lack that elite attacking talent, even with Luis Amarilla’s hot start, but the foundation of a solid team that control games is unquestionably there. And that might be all they need to make a good run at MLS Cup.

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