New on Sports Illustrated: Minnesota United-Timbers Preview

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Following the most successful season in Minnesota United FC's brief MLS history, there's hope that 2020 can be even better.

United starts down that journey on Sunday against the Portland Timbers in the raucous environment of Providence Park.

In its third season of 2019, Minnesota set MLS-club records with 15 victories and 53 points to finish fourth in the Western Conference and make the franchise's first playoff appearance. A major reason for that success was the fact it conceded just 43 goals after giving up 141 in the first two seasons.

Practically all of Minnesota's key defensive options are back, highlighted by MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara and veteran defensive midfielder Osvaldo Alonso. Tyler Miller comes over from Los Angeles FC to man the net in place of Vito Mannone.

Up front, newcomer Luis Amarilla was an offensive force in Paraguay, and is brought in with the intent to mesh with Ethan Finlay and Mason Toye, who combined for 13 league goals in 2019.

"We obviously have quality players now, still, the squad is strong, but to say how strong we are, how best we are, it's too early," midfielder Jan Gregus told Minnesota's official website. "I think the season will show, and we just have to prove it every single game and see."

Minnesota will also see if it can win at Portland for the first time in four tries. Though it did play the Timbers to a scoreless draw there last season.

Portland should be glad to open at home this season after playing its first 12 games of 2019 on the road while Providence Park underwent a major upgrade. Despite struggling early and late in the season, the Timbers managed to make the MLS playoffs with 14 wins.

They hope it won't be that much of a chore to reach the postseason this time around. Though 15-goal scorer Brian Fernandez's time in Portland was brief, Jeremy Ebobisse recorded a career-best 11 goals last season and Diego Valeri (eight goals, 16 assists) returns.

Newcomers Felipe Mora and Jaroslaw Niezgoda are expected to contribute up front right off the bat. Meanwhile, star midfielder Diego Chara will have younger brother, Yimmi, on the Portland roster to help the club take care of business in 2020.

"We're certainly hungry and we're ready to go," veteran goalkeeper Steve Clark told the Timbers' official website. "The real feeling is 'let's get this on.' It feels like a long preseason, and we're well prepared. We've been chomping at the bit since we lost in the playoffs last year."

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