Over the next month I will be putting out a series of previews for MLS (not The) this season. I know you are all wondering why should I care about MLS, however here are a couple facts to get you going.

• Since 2007 the league has gone from 13 to 24 teams (and counting)
• Last year MLS added a new team in LA owned by Will Ferrell, Magic Johnson, Nomar Garciaparra, and Mia Hamm!
• Soccer has the longest run time of the 4 major sports in 90 minutes, however because there’s no commercials the game only lasts 2 hours.
• Great players such as Josef Martinez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Vela, and many many more come to a tv near you every week!
• ESPN+ has made it very easy to find each game every week.

Minnesota United F.C.

Owner: Bill McGuire

Coach: Adrian Heath

Previous Season Record: 11-20-3 10th in West

U.S. Open Cup 2018: Round of 16

Top Scorer: Darwin Quintero 11 Goals

Stadium: Allianz Stadium

2018 Recap

The Gif Below basically represents Minnesota United since they came in the league a couple of years ago.

They have had some offensive talent, but have been so dreadful on defense that they just cannot play competent soccer. Last season they gave up the second most goals in MLS history with 71, (Orlando gave up 74 this year) and have not made the playoffs since coming to MLS. So they came into this off season looking to make moves on the back line.

Off Season Transactions

*A couple things to highlight here:

• Jan Gregus is a massive signing for this midfield.
• Ike Opara is a very solid, proven defender in MLS.
• Bob and Alonso will create a solid wall in front of defense.
• Losing Christian Ramirez cannot be overlooked.
• Drafting a defender and Goalie from the National Champs is a smart move.

2019 Outlook

For the first time in MLS things are looking up for Minnesota. They have an awesome Midfield, a very competent Defense, and a couple hit or miss guys up top. These fans have been starving up there for a winner and it feels like this team can make some noise. Adding the two defensive mids, and Opara to the back will hopefully curb some of those major issues they have had in previous seasons. Hopefully some of these new draft picks can jump in and make an impact in the back as well.

Coach Heath is very experienced and hopefully can finally inject some life into this franchise, in their beautiful new stadium! I think they will actually be fighting for a playoff spot when the end of the year rolls around.