For Minnesota United's Osvaldo Alonso, a postseason showdown with Seattle (Dec. 7, 9:30 p.m. ET) seemed inevitable.
The four-time All-Star spent 10 seasons with the Sounders, captaining the team to its first MLS Cup in 2016, and seemed destined to finish his career there. But prior to the 2019 season, the two sides failed to reach agreement on a new contract and Alonso left via free agency, signing with Minnesota.
The former Cuba international, who became a U.S. citizen in 2012, was one of the main players brought in by manager Adrian Heath to get the Loons among the upper echelons of the league.