The 2022 MLS season is finally here, which means the Union are back! The Union host Minnesota FC at 1:00 pm eastern on Saturday afternoon. You can watch the game live on PHL17 or on the Union’s website if you’re in the DMV area. 

After a brutal ending to last year’s promising playoff run due to COVID-19, the Union look to finish some unsettled business. However, this year the Union will have some new faces with some notable ones on the way out. Jamiro Monteiro and Kacper Przybylko were sold for allocation money as both showed signs that they wanted to leave the club.  

Big offseason for the Union

Even though the Union lost both starters, sporting director Ernst Tanner made sure to make a big signing at the striker position. In late January, it was announced that they made a record-breaking move to sign Danish striker Mikael Uhre from Brøndby IF. Unfortunately, Uhre just made it back to the states on Friday, and it is unclear whether he will see any game time on Saturday’s home opener. In 123 games with Brøndby IF, Uhre scored 48 goals and recorded 13 assists. This looks to be a historic signing for the club, so hopefully, we see him out on the field soon. 

An offseason acquisition that you should expect to see get some minutes is Julian Carranza, acquired on loan from Inter Miami CF. He’s shown promise in pre-season matches as it only took him three minutes with the club to score his first goal.

A quick look at Minnesota United FC

Minnesota is coming off a strong season for the new club as they made it to the playoffs but lost in the opening round. Head coach Adrian Heath led Minnesota to fifth place in the Western Conference. Even though they made the playoffs, one weakness was goal scoring. Last season they ranked 20th in goals scored with 42 goals. On offense, they are led by Emanuel Reynoso at the number 10 spot in their starting lineup. 

Prediction: 1-0 Union

Hopefully, the Union don’t start the first game of the season off slow, or else I could see Minnesota causing some problems. If they come to play at home in front of their home fans, I see them winning this game. The talent of the Union is unmatched, even with the players they lost this off-season. I expect a big start to the season for Paxten Aaronson and could see him putting one in the back of the net. 

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports