As part of our countdown to MLS opening weekend, we're taking a look at each Week 1 match. On Sunday, we break down the storylines around the Vancouver Whitecaps-Minnesota United match on March 2 (6 pm ET | TSN, ESPN+).
Minnesota United underwent some key offseason changes, but not to the level of the Vancouver Whitecaps' offseason rebuild.
Vancouver welcome the Loons to BC Place in Week 1 as both clubs look for positives to start new seasons and new eras. The Loons are focused on a playoff push, with Allianz Field opening on April 13, while the Whitecaps are moving into a new chapter, with 15 additions and 21 subtractions from the squad that missed the playoffs last year.
Here are three things to watch as the Loons travel to face the 'Caps:
All the Vancouver unknowns
There are just so many questions.
What formation will Marc Dos Santos play? Will Fredy Montero play up top with highly-rated young striker Joaquin Ardaiz, or will the latter start on the bench as he acclimates himself with MLS? Who makes up the backline? How good can Inbeom Hwang be with the Whitecaps, and what about Lass Bangoura and Lucas Venuto? Who starts on their backline?
Minnesota's defensive upgrades
The most important facet for the Loons in 2019: How many goals can the defensive additions shave off of last year's whopping 71 conceded?
Minnesota didn't fail to score goals, but struggled mightily in defense. They threw around a ton of resources to fix it, with former Defender of the Year Ike Opara brought in from Sporting Kansas City, Ozzie Alonso – one of the league's all-time best defensive midfielders – signed in free agency and Ligue 1 fullback Romain Metanire, midfielder Jan Gregus (as a Designated Player) and former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone acquired from abroad.
Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez partnership
Secondarily, how will Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez gel in attack?
Quintero was one of the league's top attackers last season, but Rodriguez took some time to adjust and get settled in MLS. The pair will look to hit the ground running, with Quintero (31) and Rodriguez (turning 30 in April) already well into their prime.
