Despite the 2021 MLS season being in full swing, the Minnesota United are reportedly already looking into making their squad stronger next year. One of the players they are monitoring is Honduras international midfielder Kervin Arriaga.

Minnesota’s link with Arriaga was first reported by Honduran media outlet La Prensa. According to their report, the MLS side has been tracking the 23-year-old player for some time and even made the trip to watch him in person during Honduras’ clash against Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifiers.

The reports were later confirmed by the United’s beat writer Andy Greder.

The Minnesota United might have to move quickly to get Arriaga as they are not the only MLS club monitoring the player. La Prensa also reported that FC Austin is intrigued by Arriaga and is thinking about making a move for him.

Kervin Arriaga spent his entire career in native Honduras. He made his professional debut with Platense in 2017 and spent two years with the club before joining Marathon. Arriaga made eight appearances for Marathon this season and already scored three goals despite playing as a defensive midfielder.

Arriaga received his first call-up for Honduras men’s national team in 2020 and has established himself as an important part of the squad since then. He was ever-present for the country so far in the World Cup qualifiers.

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Minnesota United FC announced that Cuban veteran midfielder Osvaldo Alonso is staying with the club for at least one more year.

Alonso, who serves as the Loons captain, signed a new deal with the organization on Saturday.

Since joining Minnesota in 2019, Alonso emerged as a team leader and key piece of their midfield. The 35-year-old veteran’s impact was highlighted by head coach Adrian Heath, who called Alonso the best player in his position in the last decade.

“Ozzie has maximized everything that he has ever had: his talent, his personality, his leadership qualities, and his professionalism,” said Heath. “It’s more than just his football, everyone knows how good he is on the field, you can’t have enough people in your organization like him.”

While Alonso missed half of the 2020 MLS season due to injuries, he returned in time to propel the Loons into a deep playoff run. Minnesota had their best postseason performance in franchise history last year, reaching the Western Conference Finals.

Osvaldo Alonso previously spent 10 seasons with the Seattle Sounders. He played 338 games in all competitions for the franchise, scoring 20 goals and adding 28 assists in the process.

Alonso won six trophies in a Seattle jersey, including the MLS Cup in 2016, while receiving four MLS All-Star nods and one MLS Best XI selection. 

The post MLS Legend Osvaldo Alonso Commits to Loons for 2021 appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United added more weapons to their attack on Tuesday, bringing in veteran striker Juan Agudelo.

Agudelo, who was a free agent after spending the 2020 season with Inter Miami, signed a one-year deal with last year’s Western Conference finalists.

According to Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath, the deal came through after Agudelo asked the club to train with the first team while he was working on a move to Championship side Stoke City. After the move didn’t pan out, the 29-year-old player decided to stay with Minnesota for 2021.

“Nothing is going to faze him. He had a really good impact last year when he played for Inter Miami,” said Heath. “I think it’s a really good pick up for us.”

Aguelado played 14 games with Miami and made nine starts in 2020. He finished the campaign with three goals to his name.

Juan Agudelo started his career with the New York Red Bulls in 2010 and later played with Chivas USA and New England Revolution. He also had a short stint in Europe with Dutch club FC Utrecht.

Agudelo has also been a U.S. international since 2008 when he made his debut for the U17 team.  He received his first call-up for the senior team in 2010 and has since played 23 games for USMNT while scoring three goals.

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Minnesota United broke some big news on Tuesday, announcing the acquisition of USMNT midfielder Wil Trapp.

Trapp will join the Loons as a free agent after his contract with Inter Miami expired following the end of the 2020 MLS season. The length of his deal with Minnesota, as well as financial details, remained undisclosed.

Inter acquired Trapp from Columbus Crew in January 2020. The 27-year-old player played 21 games this past season while making 16 starts.

“We are obviously delighted to get a player of his age, quality, experience, and a current US international,” said Loons head coach Adrian Heath. “Wil made it very clear from the outset that this was the only club he wanted to go to. Having spoken with him at length, I know he’s incredibly excited about our plans moving forward and which he’s excited to be a part of.”

Wil Trapp made his MLS debut with Columbus back in 2013. He was named the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year at the end of the season, while also being selected in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship Best XI for his efforts on an international level.

Trapp went on to play a total of 185 games with Crew in MLS, scoring two goals and dishing 19 assists. He was part of their 2015 MLS Cup Finals team and earning an All-Star nod the following year.

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In a result that few could have predicted, MLS Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC lost 2-0 to third-placed Minnesota United at their own home ground.

What made this result even more bizarre was the spread of attacking momentum display throughout the 90 minutes. The hosts and clear favorites, LAFC, were on the attack from the first whistle until the moment right before they conceded their first goal. In a quick counter-attacking move, striker Mason Toye fired a left-footed shot from a tight angle into the LAFC net to give Minnesota an unlikely lead.

Just four minutes later, a foul by LAFC’s Brian Rodriguez saw the referee award a free-kick to the away side. This flaw proved to be fatal, as striker Toye once again found the back of the net, just four minutes after his first goal.

While camping in their opponents half of the field, maintaining a monstrous 73% possession and taking 23 shots, LAFC still failed to find the back of the net against a resolute Minnesota defense.

This was LAFC’s first home loss for the entire league season, while for Minnesota United, this victory sees them move up to a third-place in the Western Conference.

Something was clearly lacking from the LAFC lineup following the absence of club talisman Carlos Vela, as the Mexican international was still recovering from a hamstring injury that was inflicted during his side’s 3-3 draw with local rivals LA Galaxy.

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Although Minnesota United’s forward Romario Ibarra delivered some solid performance while filling in for injured Angelo Rodriguez, that still wasn’t enough to keep him in MLS. Minnesota announced on Wednesday that they have sent Ibarra on a 13-month loan to Liga MX side Pachuca.

The deal between the two sides also gives Pachuca an option to sing Ibarra on a permanent basis after the loan ends.

Romario Ibarra joined Minnesota in 2018 from Universidad Católica, playing nine MLS games last season and scoring three goals. He started 2019 as the team’s starting forward, but when Minnesota’s main attacking option Angelo Rodriguez recovered from injury, Ibarra was relegated to a backup option. The 24-year-old scored two goals in eight games he played this season.

Minnesota United’s decision to part ways with Ibarra is most likely inspired by the club’s wishes to have a flexible salary budget for the upcoming summer transfer window. Minnesota is now expected to pursue a number of targets to reinforce their roster and is reportedly looking to make both domestic and international additions.  

The post Minnesota United Sends Forward Romario Ibarra on Loan to Pachuca appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United decided not to take any chances with their goalkeeping position. Despite having a starting goalie in Bobby Shuttleworth and one of the most talented goalkeepers in North America in Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota went on and acquired Vito Mannone from Reading.

Mannone, who is former Italy U21 international, will come to MLS on a one-year long loan and is expected to challenge Shuttleworth for the position in the starting 11.

“The most important thing is we have added another player who has vast experience and has played at a really high level,” – said Minnesota’s head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “He’s played in the Premier League, the Championship, some very difficult leagues to play in. He’s been at big clubs and he knows what it feels like to play under tremendous pressure. As a player he’s really competent at all aspects of his game, he’s good playing in traffic, coming out for crosses, he’s good with his feet. He has all the things we’ve been looking for in a goalkeeper.”

Minnesota United were on the market for another goalkeeper for some time now, and have reportedly considered a number of options including Boca Juniors’ Agustin Rossi and Finland international Walter Viitala. Still, the club decided to turn to Vito Mannone, since he represents a more experienced option.

Mannone started his professional career with Arsenal, but spend the majority of his time with Premier League powerhouse on loans at several low-tier clubs. He joined Reading in the summer of 2017, signing a three year deal.

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United States international center back Ike Opara, who won the MLS Defender of the Year in 2017, is on the move. Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that they have traded Opara to Minnesota United, receiving $900,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in exchange.

According to ESPN, if Minnesota manages to make the playoffs in 2019, SKC will receive another $100,000.

“We’ve been laser-focused on adding starters in key positions of need this offseason, and we feel that Ike is an excellent addition to a really good core group of defenders already on our roster,” – said Minnesota United’s sporting director Manny Lagos in a statement. “He provides a wealth of MLS experience — he is coming off of two great years. We are thrilled to add his quality and leadership to our roster.”

Ike Opara was interested in leaving Sporting Kansas City for some time now, being unhappy with his current contract. The 29-year-old was the third highest-paid defender on the team last season, making around $342K in guaranteed compensation, which was well behind Matt Besler’s  $783,250) and Andreu Fontas’ ($1 million) contracts. Despite this fact, Opara was a started through the entire season and ended up asking the team to consider trading him if they don’t want to give him a better contract.

Ike Opara started his career in the lower tiers of U.S. soccer, before signing with San Jose Earthquakes in 2010. Two years later, he was dealt to SKC, where he became one of the team’s best and most reliable players. During his six seasons in Kansas City, Opara played 148 games and scored 15 goals.

Opara also has one cap with United States Men’s National Team, being part of the starting lineup in the friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The post SKC Trades Defender Ike Opara to Minnesota United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite the 2021 MLS season being in full swing, the Minnesota United are reportedly already looking into making their squad stronger next year. One of the players they are monitoring is Honduras international midfielder Kervin Arriaga.

Minnesota’s link with Arriaga was first reported by Honduran media outlet La Prensa. According to their report, the MLS side has been tracking the 23-year-old player for some time and even made the trip to watch him in person during Honduras’ clash against Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifiers.

The reports were later confirmed by the United’s beat writer Andy Greder.

The Minnesota United might have to move quickly to get Arriaga as they are not the only MLS club monitoring the player. La Prensa also reported that FC Austin is intrigued by Arriaga and is thinking about making a move for him.

Kervin Arriaga spent his entire career in native Honduras. He made his professional debut with Platense in 2017 and spent two years with the club before joining Marathon. Arriaga made eight appearances for Marathon this season and already scored three goals despite playing as a defensive midfielder.

Arriaga received his first call-up for Honduras men’s national team in 2020 and has established himself as an important part of the squad since then. He was ever-present for the country so far in the World Cup qualifiers.

The post Minnesota United Linked with Honduras International Kervin Arriaga appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United FC announced that Cuban veteran midfielder Osvaldo Alonso is staying with the club for at least one more year.

Alonso, who serves as the Loons captain, signed a new deal with the organization on Saturday.

Since joining Minnesota in 2019, Alonso emerged as a team leader and key piece of their midfield. The 35-year-old veteran’s impact was highlighted by head coach Adrian Heath, who called Alonso the best player in his position in the last decade.

“Ozzie has maximized everything that he has ever had: his talent, his personality, his leadership qualities, and his professionalism,” said Heath. “It’s more than just his football, everyone knows how good he is on the field, you can’t have enough people in your organization like him.”

While Alonso missed half of the 2020 MLS season due to injuries, he returned in time to propel the Loons into a deep playoff run. Minnesota had their best postseason performance in franchise history last year, reaching the Western Conference Finals.

Osvaldo Alonso previously spent 10 seasons with the Seattle Sounders. He played 338 games in all competitions for the franchise, scoring 20 goals and adding 28 assists in the process.

Alonso won six trophies in a Seattle jersey, including the MLS Cup in 2016, while receiving four MLS All-Star nods and one MLS Best XI selection. 

The post MLS Legend Osvaldo Alonso Commits to Loons for 2021 appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United added more weapons to their attack on Tuesday, bringing in veteran striker Juan Agudelo.

Agudelo, who was a free agent after spending the 2020 season with Inter Miami, signed a one-year deal with last year’s Western Conference finalists.

According to Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath, the deal came through after Agudelo asked the club to train with the first team while he was working on a move to Championship side Stoke City. After the move didn’t pan out, the 29-year-old player decided to stay with Minnesota for 2021.

“Nothing is going to faze him. He had a really good impact last year when he played for Inter Miami,” said Heath. “I think it’s a really good pick up for us.”

Aguelado played 14 games with Miami and made nine starts in 2020. He finished the campaign with three goals to his name.

Juan Agudelo started his career with the New York Red Bulls in 2010 and later played with Chivas USA and New England Revolution. He also had a short stint in Europe with Dutch club FC Utrecht.

Agudelo has also been a U.S. international since 2008 when he made his debut for the U17 team.  He received his first call-up for the senior team in 2010 and has since played 23 games for USMNT while scoring three goals.

The post MLS Veteran Striker Juan Agudelo Joins Minnesota United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United broke some big news on Tuesday, announcing the acquisition of USMNT midfielder Wil Trapp.

Trapp will join the Loons as a free agent after his contract with Inter Miami expired following the end of the 2020 MLS season. The length of his deal with Minnesota, as well as financial details, remained undisclosed.

Inter acquired Trapp from Columbus Crew in January 2020. The 27-year-old player played 21 games this past season while making 16 starts.

“We are obviously delighted to get a player of his age, quality, experience, and a current US international,” said Loons head coach Adrian Heath. “Wil made it very clear from the outset that this was the only club he wanted to go to. Having spoken with him at length, I know he’s incredibly excited about our plans moving forward and which he’s excited to be a part of.”

Wil Trapp made his MLS debut with Columbus back in 2013. He was named the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year at the end of the season, while also being selected in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship Best XI for his efforts on an international level.

Trapp went on to play a total of 185 games with Crew in MLS, scoring two goals and dishing 19 assists. He was part of their 2015 MLS Cup Finals team and earning an All-Star nod the following year.

The post Minnesota United Signs USMNT Midfielder Wil Trapp appeared first on SportzBonanza.

In a result that few could have predicted, MLS Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC lost 2-0 to third-placed Minnesota United at their own home ground.

What made this result even more bizarre was the spread of attacking momentum display throughout the 90 minutes. The hosts and clear favorites, LAFC, were on the attack from the first whistle until the moment right before they conceded their first goal. In a quick counter-attacking move, striker Mason Toye fired a left-footed shot from a tight angle into the LAFC net to give Minnesota an unlikely lead.

Just four minutes later, a foul by LAFC’s Brian Rodriguez saw the referee award a free-kick to the away side. This flaw proved to be fatal, as striker Toye once again found the back of the net, just four minutes after his first goal.

While camping in their opponents half of the field, maintaining a monstrous 73% possession and taking 23 shots, LAFC still failed to find the back of the net against a resolute Minnesota defense.

This was LAFC’s first home loss for the entire league season, while for Minnesota United, this victory sees them move up to a third-place in the Western Conference.

Something was clearly lacking from the LAFC lineup following the absence of club talisman Carlos Vela, as the Mexican international was still recovering from a hamstring injury that was inflicted during his side’s 3-3 draw with local rivals LA Galaxy.

The post Minnesota United Defeats LAFC In Major Upset appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Although Minnesota United’s forward Romario Ibarra delivered some solid performance while filling in for injured Angelo Rodriguez, that still wasn’t enough to keep him in MLS. Minnesota announced on Wednesday that they have sent Ibarra on a 13-month loan to Liga MX side Pachuca.

The deal between the two sides also gives Pachuca an option to sing Ibarra on a permanent basis after the loan ends.

Romario Ibarra joined Minnesota in 2018 from Universidad Católica, playing nine MLS games last season and scoring three goals. He started 2019 as the team’s starting forward, but when Minnesota’s main attacking option Angelo Rodriguez recovered from injury, Ibarra was relegated to a backup option. The 24-year-old scored two goals in eight games he played this season.

Minnesota United’s decision to part ways with Ibarra is most likely inspired by the club’s wishes to have a flexible salary budget for the upcoming summer transfer window. Minnesota is now expected to pursue a number of targets to reinforce their roster and is reportedly looking to make both domestic and international additions.  

The post Minnesota United Sends Forward Romario Ibarra on Loan to Pachuca appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Minnesota United decided not to take any chances with their goalkeeping position. Despite having a starting goalie in Bobby Shuttleworth and one of the most talented goalkeepers in North America in Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota went on and acquired Vito Mannone from Reading.

Mannone, who is former Italy U21 international, will come to MLS on a one-year long loan and is expected to challenge Shuttleworth for the position in the starting 11.

“The most important thing is we have added another player who has vast experience and has played at a really high level,” – said Minnesota’s head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “He’s played in the Premier League, the Championship, some very difficult leagues to play in. He’s been at big clubs and he knows what it feels like to play under tremendous pressure. As a player he’s really competent at all aspects of his game, he’s good playing in traffic, coming out for crosses, he’s good with his feet. He has all the things we’ve been looking for in a goalkeeper.”

Minnesota United were on the market for another goalkeeper for some time now, and have reportedly considered a number of options including Boca Juniors’ Agustin Rossi and Finland international Walter Viitala. Still, the club decided to turn to Vito Mannone, since he represents a more experienced option.

Mannone started his professional career with Arsenal, but spend the majority of his time with Premier League powerhouse on loans at several low-tier clubs. He joined Reading in the summer of 2017, signing a three year deal.

The post Minnesota United Sign Reading’s Goalie Vito Mannone on a 1-Year Loan appeared first on SportzBonanza.

United States international center back Ike Opara, who won the MLS Defender of the Year in 2017, is on the move. Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that they have traded Opara to Minnesota United, receiving $900,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in exchange.

According to ESPN, if Minnesota manages to make the playoffs in 2019, SKC will receive another $100,000.

“We’ve been laser-focused on adding starters in key positions of need this offseason, and we feel that Ike is an excellent addition to a really good core group of defenders already on our roster,” – said Minnesota United’s sporting director Manny Lagos in a statement. “He provides a wealth of MLS experience — he is coming off of two great years. We are thrilled to add his quality and leadership to our roster.”

Ike Opara was interested in leaving Sporting Kansas City for some time now, being unhappy with his current contract. The 29-year-old was the third highest-paid defender on the team last season, making around $342K in guaranteed compensation, which was well behind Matt Besler’s  $783,250) and Andreu Fontas’ ($1 million) contracts. Despite this fact, Opara was a started through the entire season and ended up asking the team to consider trading him if they don’t want to give him a better contract.

Ike Opara started his career in the lower tiers of U.S. soccer, before signing with San Jose Earthquakes in 2010. Two years later, he was dealt to SKC, where he became one of the team’s best and most reliable players. During his six seasons in Kansas City, Opara played 148 games and scored 15 goals.

Opara also has one cap with United States Men’s National Team, being part of the starting lineup in the friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The post SKC Trades Defender Ike Opara to Minnesota United appeared first on SportzBonanza.