MLS is Back: Group D Preview – The most even group
By Nathan Dunn
Minnesota United
2019 Record: 4th in Western Conference; First round of the MLS Cup Playoffs
2020 Results: 3-1 win vs Portland Timbers; 5-2 win vs San Jose Earthquakes
Head Coach: Adrian Heath
Projected Starters: Tyler Miller; Chase Gasper, Michael Boxall, Jose Aja, Romain Metanire; Osvaldo Alonso, Jan Gregus, Robin Lod; Kevin Molino, Ethan Finley, Luis Amarilla
Notable Absentees: Ike Opara — Will not partake in the early stages of the MLS is Back Tournament after Minnesota United and MLS both agreed to allow him to stay in Minneapolis and continue his physical rehabilitation from a preexisting condition (not COVID-19 related)
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Coming off a phenomenal campaign in 2019, Minnesota United got off to a hot start in 2020 with two Western Conference wins over the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes. The Loons added striker Luis Amarilla, who bagged two goals in their opening two games this year, while they replaced 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Vito Mannone, with former LAFC keeper, Tyler Miller.
The Loons will be looking at this tournament as another chance to win their first piece of silverware, which would also result in their first-ever birth in the CONCACAF Champions League. Led by veteran midfielder Ozzy Alonso, it’s was hard to see Minnesota not advancing into the knockout stages of this tournament with such a well-balanced team, although the news of Ike Opara’s absence is a massive blow to a stellar defense.
The big question is who will replace Opara? The first man you would normally look to would be Brent Kallman, but he is still serving a 10-match suspension for violating the MLS Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Policy. It looks like Michael Boxall’s new partner is likely 27-year-old Jose Aja, who previously made a total of 42 appearances with Orlando City and the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2017 and 2018 and signed with Minnesota from Chilean side Union Espanola in February. Behind Aja, you could see Opara replaced by James Musa, but now Minnesota looks to be thin at the back.