Minnesota United FC enjoyed a run to the MLS is Back Tournament semifinals without the services of star defender Ike Opara. Now the Loons will be without the center back “for the next couple of games,” according to coach Adrian Heath.
Opara cited a pre-existing condition for opting out of MLS is Back and Heath told reporters the club will divulge more about Opara’s immediate future in the next 10 days and would only add the two-time MLS Defender of the Year’s absence is “an ongoing thing with Ike at this moment in time.”
The 31-year-old was at the heart of a defensive transformation at Minnesota United since joining the club in a blockbuster trade from Sporting KC ahead of the 2019 season. Jose Aja has filled in for Opara, pairing with Michael Boxall centrally in Orlando. The Loons also acquired experienced Ligue 1 center back Bakaye Dibassy earlier this month.
Minnesota United resume the regular season at Allianz Field against Sporting Kansas City on August 21 (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; DAZN in Canada).
