Minnesota United closed out its season-opening road trip with a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls, thanks to a great team performance. A few individuals stood out for their efforts as defender Ike Opara and goalkeeper Vito Mannone have been named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 6 of the season. Both Opara and Mannone are making their first appearances on the team since joining MNUFC.
Opara locked down the middle of the new-look defensive line for MNUFC, and was on hand for several big plays to preserve the team’s lead. The 2016 Defender of the Year had four tackles, four clearances and three interceptions in the game, while also preventing the Red Bulls’ top scorers from threatening his goal.
Mannone earned a spot on the bench for the Team of the Week while claiming his third win of the season. He made five saves, including a quick reaction on the near-post just before halftime to keep MNUFC in front. The goalkeeper also made a handful crucial catches on threatening crosses to prevent shots before they could be taken, frustrating the Red Bull attackers.
See the full Team of the Week for Week 6 below:
F: Rossi (LAFC), Ibrahimovic (LA), Espinoza (SJ)
M: Vela (LAFC), Katai (CHI), Bedoya (PHI), Nani (ORL)
D: Steres (LA), Opara (MIN), Ruan (ORL)
GK: Maurer (DAL)
Bench: Steffen (CLB), Mannone (MIN), Wagner (PHI), Bassett (COL), Godoy (SJ), Mattocks (CIN), Altidore (TOR)
Coach: Matias Almeyda (SJ)
Minnesota United’s next game is on Saturday, April 13 against New York City FC at Allianz Field. The Loons’ home opener kicks off at 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2 with pregame coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN Radio on SKOR North. Fans should come early for festivities that get underway at noon on the north side of the stadium, including the Bullseye Fan Zone presented by Target.
