- Years with club: 2019–2021
- Position: Centre-Back / Defender
- Nationality: American
- Acquisition: Traded from Sporting Kansas City on January 28, 2019
Ikenna “Ike” Opara was a dominant Major League Soccer (MLS) centre-back who joined Minnesota United FC in a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2019 season. A powerful, speedy, and aerially commanding defender, Opara was the cornerstone of the Loons’ defensive transformation. In his debut season, he anchored a backline that cut the team’s goals conceded from 71 in 2018 to 43 in 2019, leading to the club’s first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):
- MLS regular season appearances: 32
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 1
- Total club appearances (all competitions): 37
- Departure: Contract bought out on August 5, 2021, due to prolonged absence/injury.
Memorable moments:
- MLS Defender of the Year (2019): In his first season with Minnesota, Opara won his second career MLS Defender of the Year award (he also won in 2017 with Sporting Kansas City). He became only the fourth player in league history to win the award multiple times.
- Defensive revolution: He was the key signing that completely stabilized Minnesota’s defense, helping them achieve their first winning record and first home playoff game.
- Goalscoring defender: He scored five goals for the Loons, including two two-goal games in 2019 and 2020.
- International experience: He made one appearance for the United States men’s national team in 2018.
Where is he now?:
- Opara officially retired from professional soccer on August 5, 2021, following his contract buyout from Minnesota United.
- He quickly transitioned into a technical role, serving as a scout for Nashville SC from May 2021 to January 2022.
- He returned to his former club, Sporting Kansas City, in January 2022, where he was named an assistant coach for Sporting Kansas City II (SKC II), the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side.
- In August 2025, he was appointed the interim head coach of Sporting Kansas City II.