Osvaldo Alonso

  • Years with Minnesota United: 2019–2021
  • Position: Midfielder (Defensive Midfield)
  • Nationality: Cuban / American (Dual Citizen)
  • Acquisition: Signed with Minnesota United FC on January 10, 2019, as a free agent, immediately becoming the team captain.

Osvaldo “Ozzie” Alonso is one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) most decorated defensive midfielders. He joined Minnesota United FC as the club’s captain for their first season at Allianz Field, bringing vast experience, leadership, and a tireless defensive presence to the squad.

Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS, 2019–2021):

  • MLS regular season appearances: 64
  • MLS regular season goals: 3
  • MLS regular season assists: 3
  • U.S. Open Cup Final Appearances: 1 (2019)
  • MLS Cup Playoffs Appearances: 4
  • Captaincy: Served as the club captain for the three seasons he was in Minnesota.
  • Memorable Goal: Scored the first-ever goal at Allianz Field on April 13, 2019, against New York City FC.
  • Departure: Signed with Atlanta United FC as a free agent in December 2021.

Memorable moments and honors (Overall Career – MLS Legend):

  • MLS All-Star: 4-time MLS All-Star.
  • MLS Best XI: Named to the MLS Best XI in 2012.
  • MLS Cup Champion: Won the 2016 MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders FC.
  • U.S. Open Cup Champion: 4-time winner (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014) and record 7-time finalist.
  • Defection Story: Famously defected from the Cuban National Team in 2007 during the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Houston, Texas.
  • Retirement: Officially retired from professional soccer in January 2024, signing a one-day contract to retire as a Seattle Sounders player.

Where is he now?:

  • Following his retirement, Alonso remains actively involved in soccer.
  • MLS Season Pass Analyst: He currently serves as a Spanish language studio analyst for MLS Season Pass (Apple TV), providing commentary on shows like MLS 360 and La Previa.
  • USL Ownership: In January 2025, Alonso joined the investor/ownership group for USL Spokane, which includes Spokane Velocity FC (USL League One) and Spokane Zephyr FC (USL Super League).