Minnesota United starts season off with a bang, triumphing 3-1 in Portland
Minnesota United got their 2020 season off to a perfect start with a 3-1 win at the Portland Timbers.
Adrian Heath's team struck three times in the second half to bag all three points, stunning the Timbers with two goals in three minutes late in the game to pull away.
Kevin Molino scored United's first and third, with new-boy Luis Amarilla adding the second in what was his Major League Soccer debut following his loan signing from Velez Sarsfield in Ecuador.
While technically only recording two assists, all three goals were the result of the work of right-winger Ethan Findlay, with the Timbers unable to cope with United's quick counter-attacks.
It's the first time in MLS history that an away team has won a season opener in Portland.
Amarilla was leading the line for the Loons, following the departure of forwards Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez of the summer, with the Paraguayan national making an ambitious promise to score 25 goals for the Loons during his 12-month loan.
Also making his debut for United was goalkeeper Tyler Miller, who comes to Minnesota following the departure of 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Vito Mannone over the winter.
Next up for the Loons is a trip to San Jose on Saturday, before the home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Mar. 15.
Sunday Service #MNUFC | @kevinmolino10 pic.twitter.com/zHC21b8Ger
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 2, 2020
24 more to go... pic.twitter.com/T4gSWdQU8d
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 2, 2020
one time for your mind, one time#MNUFC | @kevinmolino10 pic.twitter.com/QCfeWQsizP
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 2, 2020
Raised on the Isle of Man, Adam has 15 years experience as a reporter and editor at regional and national level in the U.K. and the U.S. He moved to Minnesota in 2014 and became a writer for Bring Me The News. He is now the co-owner and editor of Bring Me The News and Bring Me The Sports, mixing in some occasional sports writing with his other editorial duties. He lists his three great loves as his family, Liverpool F.C. and baked beans (the British kind).