ST. PAUL, Minn. — The culmination of Minnesota United FC’s oft-referenced “three-year plan” in 2019 was the spectacular debut of its beautiful new home, Allianz Field, an appearance in the U.S. Open Cup final, and a first-round exit from the MLS Cup playoffs.
Coming on the heels of a pair of disappointing seasons that saw the Loons become the first team in MLS history to concede 70-plus goals in consecutive years, it was a success and a relief.
A 28-goal improvement in goals conceded from 2018 to 2019 succinctly conveys the significant defensive improvement that carried the Loons to a fourth-place finish in the West. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s attack sputtered to the finish line, scoring 12 goals in its final 12 games.
By head coach Adrian Heath’s own admission, standing still would mean falling behind in the Western Conference. To that aim, the Loons swapped out their starting center forward and goalkeeper, remain in pursuit of a third designated player, and brought in seven players in their 20s with previous MLS experience in an effort to bolster the team’s depth.
Given increased control over roster construction and a new contract guaranteed through the 2021 season, Heath shoulders an increased responsibility for the Loons’ progress. The next nine months will determine whether or not he can build upon the foundation of success he helped establish last season.
Minnesota United kicks off two-game road swing in Portland
When: March 1, 6:30 p.m. CT
Where: Providence Park
Broadcast: TV — Fox Sports 1; RADIO — 1500 AM (KSTP)
Live stream: ESPN+ (if applicable)
The buzz: Winning back-to-back games on the road to open its 2019 campaign helped give fans in the Land of 10,000 Lakes early grounds for optimism. This season, the Loons open away to an opponent they’ve not lost to since joining MLS in 2017. Though boasting a 3-2-1 record in its last six meetings with the Timbers, Minnesota is still in search of its first competitive win at Providence Park, having managed a trio of draws with Portland over that period.
The Loons are fully healthy heading into the new season. The core of their back line and central midfield have returned from 2019, which should again form a stout defense. And there is ample opportunity for Minnesota to begin 2020 on the right foot by grabbing a point or three in Portland.
Other key matches
Aug. 9 vs. Atlanta United — As much as Minnesota’s deliberate front office would rather its progress be judged separately from the success of comparatively free-spending Atlanta, direct comparison of the 2017 expansion teams hasn’t lost its place in the minds of fans or pundits. A win over the Five Stripes at Allianz Field, though not adequate revenge for last year’s USOC final, nor worth bragging rights nearly equivalent to Atlanta’s 2019 MLS Cup, would still be a welcome feather in Minnesota’s cap.
Aug. 16 vs. Seattle Sounders — Heath and technical director Mark Watson cut ties with longtime Loon Miguel Ibarra this winter, declining Ibarra’s 2020 option. The winger, who holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesota’s fan base, has since signed with the Sounders and looks in line for a return to Allianz Field in August. Adding that energy to a game between a pair of teams who both expect to factor in the postseason makes this matchup all the more promising.
Check out the full 2020 schedule here.
Quotes & Notes
Winger Ethan Finaly’s seven MLS goals in 2019 are the most from any returning Loon. That shouldn’t pose a problem if new starting forward Luis Amarilla is as good as his word.
“What I can promise, and I had told Adrian in phone call was, 25 goals,” Amarilla said at his introductory press conference. “I think it’s a good objective for me because last season I scored 19, and I think I can accomplish it. I am convinced and I have the certainty with the ambition that it will be that way.”
Darwin Quintero’s 16 goals in all competitions last season represents the high-water mark for any Loon in the MLS era. Should Amarilla reach his lofty goal, it will represent the kind of step forward Heath has deemed essential to Minnesota’s continued progress.
“It’s well documented that the first two years were a struggle, but we always talked about having a three-year plan and ‘We’ll see where we are at the end of the three years,'” said Heath. “When I look back at [2019], making the Open Cup final, getting a home playoff game, being disappointed to lose to a team like the LA Galaxy, who spend all the money they do and the players they have, it shows you how far we’ve come. The most important thing is we have to push on now, we can’t rest on what we’ve done. Yes, last year was good, but we have to make this year even better.”
Biggest offseason moves
- Acquired forward Luis Amarilla via season-long loan with an option to purchase from Vélez Sarsfield. Amarilla led the Ecuadorian first division in scoring last season, and was brought in as a replacement for Angelo Rodriguez after the latter’s goal production was deemed lacking.
- Traded allocation money to LAFC for goalkeeper Tyler Miller. MNUFC offered to make 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Vito Mannone the highest-paid keeper in MLS, but that offer would have still been a significant pay cut from Mannone’s current salary, and the two sides were never close to agreeing to terms. From that, the Loons opted to trade for the rights to the very-capable Miller, who will inherit the starting job behind one of the better defensive sides in MLS.
- Retained the services of Robin Lod and young designated player Thomas Chacon. Technically, these were not offseason moves, as both players were signed during the second half of the 2019 season. But the teenage Chacon was used sparingly, and Lod struggled to settle with his new teammates while working his way back into playing shape. More is expected from both in 2020, and each could provide Minnesota with the equivalent of a big new signing should they come good.
Roster breakdown
Forwards — Luis Amarilla, 24; Aaron Schoenfeld, 29; Mason Toye, 21
Midfielders — Osvaldo Alonso, 34; Thomas Chacon, 19; Hassani Dotson, 22; Raheem Edwards, 24; Ethan Finlay, 29; Jan Gregus, 29; Marlon Hairston, 25; Jacori Hayes, 24; Robin Lod, 26; Kevin Molino 29; James Musa, 27
Defenders — Jose Aja, 26; Noah Billingsley, 22; Michael Boxall, 31; Chase Gasper, 24; Brent Kallman, 29; Romain Metanire, 29; Ike Opara, 30;
Goalkeepers — Fred Emmings, 16; Tyler Miller, 26; Gregory Ranjitsingh, 26; Dayne St. Clair*, 22
*On loan with San Antonio FC with right to recall
See full roster details here.