Football Season Guide

Another disappointing campaign for Minnesota United last season as they finished 10th in the Western Conference, well short of their minimum aim of challenging for a playoffs spot. With Minnesota conceding over 70 goals in each of their two seasons in the MLS, coach Adrian Heath has looked to boost his defensive options and has made a couple of promising signings. Former Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone has arrived on a loan deal from Reading but it will be Ike Opara's acquisition that may well prove to be key for improved defensive performances. Marc Burch and Ibson were regulars last season but both have left the club in the off-season with Osvaldo Alonso expected to replace Ibson as the first choice in the midfield along with fellow new arrival Jan Gregus. Heath does have a lot of options in the offense with Miguel Ibarra, Romario Ibarra, Ethan Finlay and Rasmus Schuller expected to man the flanks while Kevin Molino will also prove to be key addition once he recovers from a lengthy injury spell. Minnesota's biggest problem though lies up front with Angelo Rodriguez struggling to convince last season while Mason Toye and Abu Danladi are far from reliable finishers. Heath has revealed there could be a couple more additions and this is one area where Minnesota will need to bring in a new face if they are to stand a chance of challenging for a playoffs spot.