MLS Multiplex
Fansided

MLS: Best XI from opening two weeks of 2020 season

By Matt Coles

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 06: Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) in action during an MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United on October 06, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 06: Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) in action during an MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United on October 06, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defence

Ike Opara – Minnesota United – 8.00/10

The 2019 MLS Defender of the Year, Ike Opara, has continued his amazing form into the start of the 2020 campaign. He is the only defender to average a rating of 8/10 or more across the opening two games of the campaign.

And his performances have not just been influential at the defensive end of the pitch. He scored twice in Minnesota United’s 5-2 thrashing of San Jose on the second weekend of the season, making him the club’s joint top-scorer for the short campaign so far.

In that game, he also made 16 defensive interventions, including seven clearances from inside his own box. ‘Big Ike’ continues to be a menace for the Loons.

Eddie Segura – Los Angeles FC – 7.93/10

The second outfielder to make the MLS Best XI is another who was involved in that thriller between LAFC and Philadelphia. Black and Gold central defender Eddie Segura comes in with a 7.93 rating.

Like Opara, he has also gotten his name on the scoresheet. He scored LAFC’s third equaliser in that topsy-turvy match at Banc of California Stadium on the second weekend of the campaign.

The 23-year-old Colombian is now into his second season in Los Angeles. He is now stepping into the void as the leader of the defence after Walker Zimmerman’s offseason departure.

Kyle Duncan – New York Red Bulls – 7.78/10

The third and final member of the backline after two weeks of the campaign is New York Red Bulls full-back Kyle Duncan, who is aiming to nail down the right-back spot as his own this term.

In the first two games of the season, Duncan has scored once and provided two assists, helping his side to earn four points and sit second in the Eastern Conference. The 22-year-old is very much one for the future, for both the Red Bulls and the United States Men’s National Team.

Home/MLS News