Minnesota United played its first season in the MLS back in 2017, after replacing the North American Soccer League franchise of the same name. Looking at how Minnesota United performed last season, they finished 10th in the Western Conference and 18th overall with 11-20-3 record and 36 points.
Head Coach: Adrian Heath
Arguably one of the most skilled MLS coaches in history. In his career as a soccer player, he played for Stoke, Everton, Espanyol, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Burnley and Sheffield United. As for his coaching career, Heath took over Burnley in 1996, coaches Sheffield United, was the caretaker of Coventry City, coached Austin Aztex and Orlando City until he was signed by Minnesota United in 2017. In his career as a manager, he has won the USL Pro League with Orlando City in 2011 and 2013. In addition, he has won the USL Pro Commissioner’s Cup in 2011, 2012 and 2014 with the same team. Due to his exceptional achievements with Orlando City, Adrian Heat received the USL Pro Coach of the Year reward in 2011 and 2012.
Transfers
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Date | Name | Moving from | Moving to | Mode of Transfer |
January 17, 2019 | Bertrand Owundi | Minnesota United | Forge FC | Free |
December 20, 2018 | Matt Lampson | Minnesota United | LA Galaxy | Re-Entry Draft |
January 15, 2019 | Jérôme Thiesson | Minnesota United | Rapperswil-Jona | Free |
January 30, 2019 | Marc Burch | Minnesota United | Memphis 901 | Free |
December 20, 2018 | Ján Greguš | Copenhagen | Minnesota United | Transfer |
February 10, 2019 | Vito Mannone | Reading | Minnesota United | Loan |
January 25, 2019 | Romain Métanire | Reims | Minnesota United | Transfer |
January 10, 2019 | Osvaldo Alonso | Seattle Sounders | Minnesota United | Waivers |
January 28, 2019 | Ike Opara | Sporting Kansas City | Minnesota United | Trade |
January 11, 2019 | Dayne St. Clair | Maryland Terrapins | Minnesota United | SuperDraft |
February 16, 2019 | Chase Gasper | Maryland Terrapins | Minnesota United | SuperDraft |
February 16, 2019 | Hassani Dotson | Oregon State Beavers | Minnesota United | SuperDraft |
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Expectations for the 2019 season
Minnesota United biggest issue last season was their defence, which conceded 71 goals, 2nd most in the whole league. Of course, with bad defence, it’s hard to expect the offensive players to do much, and well they didn’t, as they only scored 49 goals. Coming into this season, Minnesota has added Mannone, Opara, Alonso and Greguš to their squad which will have an effect on both ends of the field. The strengthened defence and the addition of good passers will provide the much-needed support for the offensive which Minnesota didn’t have in 2018 season.