Minnesota United has finally found its defensive anchor amidst a massive offseason facelift.



The Loons completed a trade with Sporting Kansas City on Monday night for central defender Ike Opara. The center back won MLS Defender of the Year in 2017 and has been a first-choice starter for Sporting Kansas City for three seasons, during which time he has also received U.S. national team caps. Minnesota will be sending $900,000 in targeted allocation money to complete the deal, with the total reaching $1 million if the Loons make the postseason.



Opara should aide the Loons’ long-standing need for defensive solidity. Minnesota broke the record for goals conceded in a season (70) in 2017, a feat that was duly surpassed last year by Orlando. However, the team’s 141 goals allowed across the last two campaigns are a record for any consecutive seasons in league history.



The move also closes a winter-long saga around Opara’s status in the City of...