Minnesota United FC doesn’t begin its North American Soccer League regular season until April 12, but the club is hoping that a pair of special trips in February and March are the catalyst for a successful season.

On Sunday, United leaves for Los Angeles, where it will train for a week and play matches against the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League soccer as well as the Galaxy’s reserve squad.

– including one against Derby County, which plays in the second tier of English soccer and is in the running to be promoted to the English Premier League next season.

The agenda for both trips? There are plenty, in addition to getting ready for the season ahead.

“In the past, we’ve always had a budget that we’ve created good preseasons but they’ve been within the Midwest,” head coach Manny Lagos said. “We want to be considered one of the best clubs in North America. To get our brand out there, we tried to think of creative ways to have a preseason that pushes us but also lets other people know about our club.”

– when United had 10 wins, 12 losses and 4 draws while missing the playoffs – it’s also a great chance for players to get acquainted.

“Taking guys out of their element and traveling is a great way to get to know them. It’s going to be really beneficial for team bonding,” said United defender/midfielder Aaron Pitchkolan. “When we are in Minnesota, we’re a team and we know each other in the locker room. But on the road you are forced to get to know each other. It’s great to start the year out that way.”

To that end, the team will do a little sightseeing in England and is slated to take in a Premier League match on March 15 between league-leading Chelsea and Aston Villa.

“There’s something mystical about going to England. The sport there is massive,” Lagos said. “For us, it’s going to be a special trip. These guys are pros, and it really doesn’t matter where they train. But these events and trips just get us more excited about the season.”

Expectations are high after some major offseason signings, including a pair of Brazilian veterans -- defender Tiago Calvano and midfielder Juliano Vicentini.

“We’re really adding some nice pieces,” Lagos said. “The guys are excited. You look at last season, and there were some great moments but also a lot of inconsistency.”

Michael Rand