Wikipedia

Minnesota United FC

This article is about the Major League Soccer team. For the North American Soccer League team, see Minnesota United FC (2010–2016).

Minnesota United Football Club, often shortened to MNUFC, is an American professional soccer club based in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. The club began play in 2017[3][4] as the league's 22nd club, and replaced the North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise of the same name.

Minnesota United
Full nameMinnesota United Football Club
Nickname(s)The Loons, The Black and Blue[1]
Short nameMNUFC
Founded2015; 9 years ago (2015)[2]
StadiumAllianz Field
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Capacity19,400
OwnerBill McGuire
Head coachEric Ramsay
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2024Western Conference: 6th
Overall: 11th
Playoffs: Conference semifinals
Websitemnufc.com
Current season

The club played its home games at TCF Bank Stadium, on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, for its first two seasons in MLS play. Minnesota United FC completed construction of Allianz Field, a soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood, in early 2019.[5][6]

Minnesota United FC's ownership is led by Bill McGuire, former CEO of UnitedHealth Group, and includes other Minnesota sports owners: the Pohlad family, owners of the Twins; Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor; former Wild investor Glen Nelson, and his daughter Wendy Carlson Nelson of the Carlson hospitality company.

History

edit

In January 2010, the National Sports Center announced they would field a new team to replace the Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder at the time were not officially folded but were facing financial ruin.[7] Following a team-naming contest, the National Sports Center (NSC) announced the official team name would be NSC Minnesota, with the team nickname being Stars on February 5, 2010.[8] Five days later, former USMNT player Manny Lagos was named as the club's first head coach.[citation needed] The team played its first official game on April 11, 2010, a 2–0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.[9][10] The first goal in franchise history was scored by Daniel Wasson in their next game, a 1–0 victory over the Carolina RailHawks.[11]

On January 9, 2012, the club announced a new logo as well as a new name. The NSC portion of the name, which had led to confusion, was dropped, with the new name being the Minnesota Stars FC. The new logo was revealed with the word 'NSC' removed and the state motto, L’Étoile du Nord, added.[12][13] The team continued a search for a new owner in the offseason [14][15][16] and opened the 2012 season with a 0–0 draw against the Carolina RailHawks at the Metrodome in front of a crowd of 8,693.[17]

On March 25, 2015, Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced Minnesota United as the league's 23rd club and awarded the franchise to a group led by McGuire. The ownership group includes other Minneapolis-St. Paul sports owners: Jim Pohlad, owner of the MLB's Minnesota Twins; Glen Taylor, former owner of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves; and the late Glen Nelson, former investor of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, along with his daughter Wendy Carlson Nelson, who is a board member of the Carlson Hospitality Company.[18] They beat out a competing bid by Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf (both of whom would later become minority owners of MLS expansion franchise Nashville SC).[19][20][21] Garber said Minnesota would begin play in 2017 or 2018 – if Los Angeles FC was not ready to play in 2017, Minnesota would take its place.[22]

The Twin Cities were previously represented by the Minnesota Kicks in the top-level North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1976 to 1981, and later the Minnesota Strikers in 1984. The Kicks played their home games at Bloomington's Metropolitan Stadium, while the Strikers played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

The Minnesota Legislature had passed a bill in May 2012 for a new NFL stadium projected to open by fall 2016 and gave a provision allowing for the Vikings to pursue an MLS franchise,[23] including a five-year exclusive window to host MLS games in the new stadium.[24] The Wilfs' bid also had the support of Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, and Minnesota Senator Tom Bakk called Major League Soccer to inform them that the state legislature would not be providing financing for a soccer-specific stadium.[25] However, Commissioner Garber said that whenever possible, the league preferred a stadium that would be an "outdoor, soccer-specific stadium, 20,000 seats, playing on grass" as opposed to larger, covered venues with artificial turf like U.S. Bank Stadium,[26] and McGuire had the support of Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat and at least three members of the Minneapolis City Council.[25]

2017 season

edit

The team played their inaugural Major League Soccer match on March 3, 2017, a 5–1 away defeat to the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. The result represented the heaviest defeat by an expansion side making their debut. Previously no MLS expansion team had lost by more than two goals in their first game.[27] Christian Ramirez scored the team's first MLS goal.[28] The following weekend they played their home opener against fellow expansion team Atlanta United FC in a snowstorm with an MLS record-low kickoff temperature of 19 °F (−7 °C).[29] They lost the game 6–1,[30] handing Minnesota more unwanted records including the record defeat of any expansion side and becoming the only team in MLS history to concede five or more in consecutive games.[31] Following a 2–2 draw at the Colorado Rapids and a 5–2 loss at New England Revolution, United had conceded 18 goals in their first four games, which is an MLS record through the first six games of a season.[32] The team got its first win in MLS with a 4–2 home victory over Real Salt Lake on April 1.[33] As the season progressed, so had the team. In the mid-season, Minnesota had acquired Duluth native Ethan Finlay from Columbus Crew SC and made other signings to improve on the field. United finished its inaugural MLS season in ninth place in the Western Conference.

2018 season

edit

MNUFC lost two key players - midfielders Kevin Molino and Ethan Finlay - to season-ending knee injuries early in the 2018 season. Shortly before Finlay's injury, the team signed its first Designated Player; Darwin Quintero joined Minnesota United from Liga MX's Club América. Despite joining the team after five matches had already been played, Quintero led the team for 2018 in both goals (11) and assists (15). On July 4, 2018, Quintero scored a hat trick in a home match versus Toronto FC, the first in Minnesota United's history. Colombian forward Ángelo Rodríguez joined the club as its second Designated Player later in the season. MNUFC averaged nearly 24,000 fans per match during its second year at TCF Bank Stadium, including a crowd of 52,242 at the final match in their temporary home. The team managed 10 wins at home, but struggled on the road with only one victory.

2019 season

edit
 
Minnesota United FC players in 2019 match vs. New Mexico United

MNUFC made substantial roster additions prior to the 2019 season, including its third Designated Player, midfielder Ján Greguš from F.C. Copenhagen; 2017 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara, traded from Sporting KC; longtime Seattle Sounders FC defensive midfielder Osvaldo Alonso; Ligue 2 defender Romain Métanire; and goalkeeper Vito Mannone, loaned from Reading F.C.

After beginning the 2019 season with five matches on the road, MNUFC played their first match at the new Allianz Field on April 13, earning a 3–3 draw versus New York City FC. The team went on to post 10 wins, 6 draws and 2 losses at home. MNUFC's performance on the road was vastly improved in 2019, posting 5 wins and 2 draws including a 2-0 statement win at LAFC on September 1.

The club made a very successful run in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup. On August 27, the club traveled to Mercedes Benz Stadium to take on Atlanta United in the Cup final, Minnesota's first final appearance since joining MLS. The match resulted in a 2–1 Atlanta victory.[34]

MNUFC finished fourth in the Western Conference, after placing as high as second late in the regular season. As a result, the club was awarded a spot in the 2020 Leagues Cup. MNUFC played in its first MLS playoff match, hosting the LA Galaxy on October 20; the result was a 2–1 defeat.[35]

Two players received league-wide honors at the conclusion of the season. Ike Opara was named 2019 MLS Defender of the Year, winning the award for the second time.[36] Vito Mannone, who earned 11 cleansheets and conceded only 43 goals, was named 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.[37]

2020 season

edit

After the 2019 season, Minnesota United traded Darwin Quintero to the Houston Dynamo for midfielder Marlon Hairston and $600,000 in allocation money.[38] Upon the end of goalkeeper Vito Mannone's loan, Minnesota United brought in Tyler Miller (soccer) via trade with Los Angeles FC to take the starting job. Prior to the season, MNUFC added a number of players including striker Luis Amarilla via loan from Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield.[39]

The Loons got off to an excellent start for 2020 with two convincing road wins at the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes in March, before Major League Soccer suspended its season due to the COVID-19 epidemic, first for 30 days and then indefinitely as the severity of the epidemic became clearer.[40]

The 2020 season restarted in July with the league's MLS is Back Tournament, held in Orlando, Florida and including 24 of the league's 26 teams. The month-long tournament included a group stage, counted as part of the regular season standings; and a knockout stage.[41] The Loons finished second in Group D, with one win and two draws. In the knockout stage, MNUFC defeated the Columbus Crew 1–1 on penalty kicks and the San Jose Earthquakes 4–1, before losing to Orlando City SC in the tournament semifinal.

Following the tournament, the 2020 season resumed normal match play, with a planned schedule of 18 matches ending on November 8. The Loons continued to add players, with midfielder Emanuel Reynoso joining the club from Boca Juniors as a Designated Player,[42] and veteran forward Kei Kamara joining via trade from the Colorado Rapids.[43]

MNUFC finished the regular season in fourth place in the MLS Western Conference. They hosted their second playoff match in franchise history, defeating the Colorado Rapids 3–0 at Allianz Field, then went on to defeat No. 1 seeded Sporting Kansas City 3–0 on the road. The Loons then traveled to Seattle for the Western Conference final match against the Sounders. Despite leading 2-0 at the 75th minute, Seattle scored three straight late goals, including the winner in stoppage time to end Minnesota's historic run.[44]

2021 season

edit

Although they had been minutes from advancing to the MLS Cup final in 2020, the 2021 season got off to a disappointing start, with four straight losses. In mid May, the Loons began to quickly climb from the bottom of the table, losing only two of their next seventeen games. Key players returned from injury and the squad signed Argentinian Franco Fragapane and Frenchman Adrien Hunou. They ended the regular season in fifth place, earning an opening round playoff berth on the road against the Portland Timbers, but their season was ended with a 3-1 Portland victory.

2022 season

edit

2022 saw the breakout of goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair who anchored an impressive 8-save shutout against the New York Red Bulls in his week 3 debut. Success started early for the Loons in July in 2022, with a 4-0 win in a friendly vs Premier League side Everton. The Loons had a solid first half of the season going 8-6-3 in the first 17 games. In the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Minnesota fell to USL League One side Union Omaha 2-1 in a notable upset.[45] Midfield DP Emanuel Reynoso joined St. Clair in the 2022 MLS All-Star Game which was hosted at Allianz Field.[46]

The second half of the season saw Minnesota struggle to find their footing with a 6-game winless streak going into the final 2 games of the season. Minnesota finally won a make-or-break game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC decision day to clinch the 6th seed in the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs, making them the only team in the western conference to qualify for the playoffs 4 years in a row.[47] After finishing 120 minutes tied 1-1, MNUFC was knocked out of the playoffs in a (5)–(4) shootout against FC Dallas.[48]

Colors and badge

edit
 
Kevin Molino in the club's 2018–19 home kit

The badge features a stylized loon, which is the state bird of Minnesota, with eleven spread feathers, one for each of the players on the field. The team's colors are gray, sky blue, and black, with a red accent. The blue line across the logo represents the Mississippi River. The two sides of the blue represent the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The gray color represents the Iron Range of Minnesota. The upward pointing crest and the North Star were inspired by L'Etoile du Nord which is the state motto.[49][50] Zeus Jones created the designs.[51]

Sponsorship

edit
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Sleeve sponsor
2017–2020 Adidas Target[52] —
2020–2022 Bell Bank
2023–present Allianz

Club culture

edit
 
PK the loon

Minnesota United's mascot is PK, a loon. PK has been the club mascot since mid-2014.[53][54] The two main supporter groups of Minnesota United FC are Dark Clouds and True North Elite, although the overarching organization "MNWonderwall" includes affiliated groups the Red Loons and Dark Glitterati as well. Along with these supporters, the Loons academy has played a big part to help grow youth in the community and to provide a path to the first team for the academy players.[55] In early 2019, Wonderwall founded "THUNDERWALL", a coalition drumline permanently affixed in Allianz Field that provides percussion to support chants in the Wonderwall section during match days.

Fans of Minnesota United sing the Oasis song "Wonderwall" after all home victories.[56][57]

Stadium

edit
Main article: Allianz Field

44°57′10″N 93°09′54″W / 44.9528°N 93.1651°W / 44.9528; -93.1651 McGuire stated a desire to build an 18,500-seat, outdoor soccer-specific stadium next to the Minneapolis Farmers Market in downtown Minneapolis.[58] At the time of the club's launch, the league did not give any timeline for the stadium plan, but said it was working on finalizing a plan by July 1, 2015, the deadline set by the league.[25] Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton said he would oppose a publicly financed stadium, but said he would not oppose ancillary support for infrastructure reinforcements.[26]

In a plan released in April 2015, the ownership showed a projected cost for the stadium of $250 million: $100 million for MLS expansion fee, $30 million for land acquisition, and $120 million for construction.[25] The ownership group met with Governor Dayton and other state political leaders to share the plan.[59] The group asked the politicians for a sales tax exemption of up to $3 million on construction materials, as well as breaks or caps on city and county property taxes for the stadium site.[60] The tax relief could potentially add up to around $50 million.[25]

The day after the meeting, Mayor Hodges said she opposed the sales tax and property tax exemption because unlike other stadiums in Minneapolis that have received similar breaks, Minnesota United's stadium would be privately owned.[61] The following week, the Minnesota Senate voted 61–4 to prevent any state funds or tax expenditures from being used for the stadium, although the vote was termed "largely symbolic" as McGuire had not asked for state funds and the bill would not prevent the team from seeking city or county funds.[62] McGuire later said that he would be open to signing the property over to Minneapolis, Hennepin County, or another public entity if that would make property tax exemption possible.[63]

Although the July 1 deadline passed without a stadium deal, and the plan for a Downtown Minneapolis stadium was the primary reason for choosing McGuire's group, league deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said Minnesota was still considered an expansion site, partly because of interest from the neighboring St. Paul.[64] Later that month, St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman spoke to Abbott proposed building on a city-owned vacant lot that formerly housed the Metro Transit bus barn near Interstate 94.[65]

On August 31, 2015, the team's deal for an exclusive right to purchase industrial land near the Farmer's Market expired with no public statement about any extension of the deal.[66]

On September 8, 2015, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners passed a non-binding resolution to support the stadium's construction on the St. Paul bus barn site, provided the design and construction are paid for by private funds.[67] On October 23, 2015, it was announced that Minnesota United would build a stadium on the 35-acre St. Paul Bus Barn site.[68] The proposed stadium will seat approximately 20,000 and will be privately financed.[69]

On November 25, 2015, Minnesota United FC hired Populous to design the stadium.[70] On December 9, 2015, the team hired Mortenson Construction as part of the stadium construction along with Populous.[71]

On February 24, 2016, the team revealed design plans for their 21,500-seat soccer-specific stadium, set to be built by 2018 and financed privately by the team.[72]

On July 25, 2017, the stadium's name was announced as Allianz Field,[73][74] which opened in March 2019.[75]

 
Minnesota United FC vs Atlanta United FC in their inaugural MLS home match at TCF Bank Stadium, March 12, 2017.

On August 19, 2016, it was announced that Minnesota United would play in the 2017 Major League Soccer season, with home matches at TCF Bank Stadium.[76][77][78] The stadium had been home to the club for 2017–2018 while their soccer-specific stadium was in construction.

Players and staff

edit

Roster

edit
As of December 14, 2024[79]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF   USA Devin Padelford
4 DF   MEX Miguel Tapias
5 DF   SKN Ethan Bristow
8 MF   HON Joseph Rosales
9 FW   ITA Kelvin Yeboah
11 FW   KOR Jeong Sang-bin
13 DF   USA Anthony Markanich
14 FW   CAN Tani Oluwaseyi
15 DF   NZL Michael Boxall
17 MF   FIN Robin Lod
18 DF   SVK Matúš Kmeť
19 FW   ENG Samuel Shashoua
20 MF   USA Wil Trapp
No. Pos. Nation Player
21 FW   RSA Bongokuhle Hlongwane
22 FW   FIN Teemu Pukki
23 DF   GER Morris Duggan
26 MF   ARG Joaquín Pereyra
27 DF   USA DJ Taylor
28 DF   COL Jefferson Díaz
30 GK   USA Alec Smir
31 MF   USA Hassani Dotson
67 MF   PAN Carlos Harvey
90 MF   TOG Loïc Mesanvi
97 GK   CAN Dayne St. Clair
99 FW   USA Jordan Adebayo-Smith
— DF   USA Kipp Keller

Out on loan

edit

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
25 MF   CRC Alejandro Bran (on loan to Burton Albion)

Management

edit

Team records

edit
Main article: List of Minnesota United FC records and statistics

List of seasons

edit
Main article: List of Minnesota United FC seasons
As of November 24th, 2024[83]

For the full season-by-season history, see List of Minnesota United FC seasons.

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name(s) Goals
2017 1 MLS 34 10 18 6 47 70 –23 36 1.06 9th 19th DNQ R4 DNQ 20,538   Christian Ramirez 14
2018 MLS 34 11 20 3 49 71 –22 36 1.06 10th 18th Ro16 23,902   Darwin Quintero 11
2019 MLS 34 15 11 8 52 43 +9 53 1.56 4th 7th R1 RU 19,723   Darwin Quintero 16
2020 MLS 21 9 5 7 36 26 +10 34 1.62 4th 9th SF NH Leagues Cup
MLS is Back Tournament 		NH
SF 		N/A   Kevin Molino 13
2021 MLS 34 13 11 10 42 44 -2 49 1.44 5th 11th R1 NH DNQ 14,381   Robin Lod 9
2022 MLS 34 14 14 6 48 51 -3 48 1.41 6th 11th R1 Ro16 19,555   Emanuel Reynoso 12
2023 MLS 34 10 13 11 46 51 -5 41 1.21 11th 21st DNQ Ro16 Leagues Cup QF 19,568   Bongokuhle Hlongwane 17
2024 MLS 34 15 12 7 58 49 +9 52 1.53 6th 10th QF DNP Leagues Cup GS 19,566   Bongokuhle Hlongwane 11

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league, playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

Record vs. international opponents

edit
Date Competition Venue Home team Result Away team
February 3, 2017 Friendly Kino Sports Complex Minnesota United FC 1–1   NK Istra 1961
July 15, 2017 Friendly TCF Bank Stadium Minnesota United FC 1–1[84]   Atlas
July 11, 2018 Friendly TCF Bank Stadium Minnesota United FC 1–2[85]   Saprissa
May 22, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 0–1[86]   Hertha Berlin
July 17, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 0–3[87]   Aston Villa
September 7, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2–2   C.F. Pachuca
February 19, 2022 Friendly Providence Park Minnesota United FC 2–2   Viking FK
June 11, 2022 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–3[88]   SC Paderborn 07
July 20, 2022 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–0   Everton F.C.
June 28, 2023 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2–1   1. FC Kaiserslautern
July 23, 2023 Leagues Cup Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–0[89]   Club Puebla
August 8, 2023 Leagues Cup Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2(p)–2[90]   Deportivo Toluca
March 20, 2024 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 1–0   St Patrick's Athletic

Honors

edit

Broadcasting

edit

From 2023, every Minnesota United match is available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Prior to streaming, Minnesota United aired on a number of stations and networks catering to the Twin Cities television market.

All non-nationally broadcast Minnesota United games were broadcast locally on WFTC for the 2017 Major League Soccer season, then moved to Bally Sports North and Bally Sports Wisconsin in the 2018 season (which were then named at the time as Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin respectively). For the 2021 Major League Soccer season, WUCW became the over-the-air home of Minnesota United, airing 16 matches as simulcasts from Bally Sports North. KSTP serves as the team's radio partner.[91]

Minnesota United's commentary team featured Callum Williams as the play-by-play commentator. Williams had previously worked for Sporting Kansas City when they were known as the Kansas City Wizards and during their rebrand as Sporting Kansas City. He has also worked in his native UK for notable broadcasters including the BBC and Sky Sports.[92] Williams was joined in the commentary box by Kyndra de St. Aubin who provides color commentary. De St. Aubin, a Stillwater native, was the only female color commentator currently covering Major League Soccer. Prior to joining Minnesota United's broadcast team, she worked across the country covering many men's and women's soccer games at college and professional levels.[93] She also covered the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup as part of the five broadcast teams that covered that tournament.[94]

References

edit
  1. ^ "RSL v MNU 2017 MLS Preseason Match". MNUNFC.com. February 14, 2017. Archived from the original on April 22, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  2. ^ "NSC Minnesota is Name of New Pro Soccer Team - Logo Unveiled | IMS Soccer News". February 5, 2010. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016.
  3. ^ "Atlanta to join Eastern Conference in 2017, Minnesota to compete in West". Major League Soccer. August 20, 2016. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  4. ^ David La Vaque; Jessie Van Berkel (August 19, 2016). "Minnesota United is joining Major League Soccer in 2017". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  5. ^ "Minnesota United FC announce plan for new St. Paul stadium". MLSsoccer.com. October 23, 2015. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  6. ^ "Minnesota United FC homepage". mnufc.com. February 6, 2019. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  7. ^ Leighton, Tim (January 8, 2010) "Soccer – New team will replace Thunder" Saint Paul Pioneer Press
  8. ^ Quarstad, Brian. "NSC Minnesota is Name of New Pro Soccer Team – Logo Unveiled | IMS Soccer News". Insidemnsoccer.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  9. ^ "USSF Division-2 Pro League". Ussf.demosphere.com. April 11, 2010. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  10. ^ La Vaque, David (April 25, 2010) "Stars launch franchise with a win Archived January 13, 2024, at the Wayback Machine  – The team, the successor to the Thunder, scored its first goal on a penalty kick and made it hold up." Star Tribune
  11. ^ "USSF Division-2 Pro League". Ussf.demosphere.com. April 16, 2010. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  12. ^ Quarstad, Brian (January 10, 2012). "Minnesota Stars Get New Name and Logo: Minnesota Stars FC". Inside Minnesota Soccer. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  13. ^ "NSC Minnesota Stars are now Minnesota Stars FC". Minnesota Stars FC. January 9, 2012. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  14. ^ Leighton, Tim (April 6, 2012). "Minnesota Stars could envision move up to MLS". Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on April 11, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  15. ^ Vomhof, John Jr. (April 6, 2012). "For sale: Twin Cities pro soccer team". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  16. ^ La Vaque, David (April 6, 2012). "Minnesota Stars face bigger challenge: Winning new fans, owner". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  17. ^ La Vaque, David (April 8, 2012). "Champion Stars stymied in scoreless season soccer opener". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 3, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  18. ^ "Major League Soccer team coming to Mpls". MPR News. March 25, 2015. Archived from the original on February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  19. ^ "Major League Soccer awards expansion team to Minnesota that will begin play in 2018". Major League Soccer. March 25, 2015. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  20. ^ Baxter, Kevin (March 25, 2015). "MLS awards 23rd franchise to Minneapolis". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 15, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  21. ^ Garrison, Joey (August 8, 2017). "Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, joins Nashville's MLS ownership group". The Tennessean. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  22. ^ Stejskal, Sam (March 25, 2015). "MLS Commissioner Don Garber: Minneapolis represents everything that is spurring growth of MLS". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  23. ^ Brian Quarstad (May 12, 2012). "MLS Commissioner Don Garber Says Minnesota 'Goes on List' with New Vikings Stadium". Insidemnsoccer.com.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
  24. ^ Vomhof, John Jr. (December 11, 2013). "Another downtown stadium? Somebody wants one". Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Archived from the original on March 30, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  25. ^ a b c d e Turner, Elliott (April 22, 2015). "MINNESOTA DISUNITED: THE FIGHT OVER AN MLS STADIUM IN MINNEAPOLIS". Vice Sports. Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Roper, Eric. "Stadium plan is crucial next step for MLS in Minneapolis". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  27. ^ Sport, Guardian (March 4, 2017). "Minnesota United claim unwanted MLS record after 5–1 debut loss at Portland". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 20, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  28. ^ "Portland Timbers 5, Minnesota United 1 – 2017 MLS Match Recap". March 4, 2017. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  29. ^ Rosano, Nicholas (March 12, 2017). "Minnesota United FC home opener clocks in as coldest ever MLS game". MLS. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  30. ^ "Minnesota United 1-6 Atlanta United - Major League Soccer 2017 Live". www.whoscored.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
  31. ^ "Is Minnesota this bad? Comparing the Loons to MLS' expansion strugglers". ESPNFC. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  32. ^ "New England condemns Minnesota to inglorious record; Timbers toppled". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  33. ^ "Minnesota United finally won their first match with of mix of good attacking and a Nick Rimando error". Fox Sports. April 2, 2017. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  34. ^ Patrick, Joe (August 28, 2019). "In the end, Atlanta United win US Open Cup Final with old-fashioned grit". Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  35. ^ Liljenwall, Ari (October 20, 2019). "Minnesota United 1, LA Galaxy 2 - 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on October 24, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  36. ^ Bogert, Tom (October 17, 2019). "Minnesota United's Ike Opara wins 2019 MLS Defender of the Year". Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  37. ^ "Minnesota United FC's Vito Mannone voted Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year". October 24, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  38. ^ "Minnesota United Trades Darwin Quintero to Houston Dynamo". November 13, 2019. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  39. ^ "Luis Amarilla Joins MNUFC". January 28, 2020. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  40. ^ "MLS extends season suspension in accordance with CDC guidance on COVID-19". March 19, 2020. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  41. ^ "MLS is Back Tournament". June 10, 2020. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  42. ^ "Emanuel Reynoso Signs With MNUFC". September 1, 2020. Archived from the original on September 30, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  43. ^ "Kei Kamara Signs With MNUFC". September 19, 2020. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  44. ^ "Seattle Sounders 3, Minnesota United FC 2 – 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap". December 7, 2020. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  45. ^ MNUFC. "Recap | Minnesota United - 1, Union Omaha - 2 | Minnesota United FC". MNUFC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  46. ^ mlssoccer. "Updated 2022 MLS All-Star Team Roster | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  47. ^ MNUFC. "Path to the Playoffs – a New Season Starts Now | Minnesota United FC". MNUFC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  48. ^ MNUFC. "Playoff Recap | FC Dallas – 1(5), Minnesota United – 1(4) | Minnesota United FC". MNUFC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  49. ^ "Minnesota Stars FC Rebrands As Minnesota United FC | North American Soccer League". Nasl.com. March 5, 2013. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  50. ^ "Learn about Minnesota United's Name, Colors, and logo ahead of 2017 debut". MLS. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  51. ^ "Giving Our Home State's Soccer Team A New Identity". Zeus Jones. March 5, 2013. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  52. ^ "Target Becomes Official Partner And Kit Sponsor". Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on July 18, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  53. ^ "Allianz Spirit of Giving Event". Minnesota United FC. December 5, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  54. ^ "Press Kit". Minnesota United FC. September 15, 2016. Archived from the original on March 20, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  55. ^ "Fans | Supporters | Minnesota United FC". Archived from the original on November 2, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  56. ^ "Tradition Tuesday: Wonderwall". March 7, 2017. Archived from the original on October 22, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  57. ^ "Maybe you're gonna be the one that saves me: The genesis of Minnesota United's 'Wonderwall'". April 19, 2019. Archived from the original on August 28, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  58. ^ Kaszuba, Mike; Dennis Brackin (March 24, 2015). "MLS to make 'major announcement' Wednesday at Target Field". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  59. ^ Greder, Andy (April 14, 2015). "United FC asks for tax relief on privately financed stadium". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  60. ^ "Minnesota United owner meets with governor over tax ememptions". Associated Press. April 14, 2015. Archived from the original on July 8, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  61. ^ Golden, Erin (April 15, 2015). "Minneapolis mayor rejects tax break plan for soccer stadium". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  62. ^ Codon, Patrick (April 20, 2015). "Senate votes to bar state money for soccer stadium". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 23, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  63. ^ Gilbert, Curtis (April 30, 2015). "United owner Bill McGuire open to public stadium ownership". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on May 2, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
  64. ^ Straus, Brian (July 1, 2015). "MLS's stadium deadline passes, but Minnesota still in play for expansion". Planet Fútbol. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  65. ^ Greder, Andy; Frederick Melo (July 10, 2015). "Soccer in St. Paul: Mayor pushes Snelling site for MLS stadium". Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  66. ^ Roper, Eric (September 1, 2015). "Minneapolis soccer stadium land deal ends in silence". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  67. ^ Melo, Frederick (September 8, 2015). "Ramsey County approves St. Paul soccer stadium resolution". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  68. ^ Melo, Frederick (October 23, 2015). "Minnesota United FC announce plan for new St. Paul stadium resolution". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  69. ^ "A vision for the future – Minnesota United". Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  70. ^ "Minnesota United hire Populous as architect for new St. Paul stadium". Major League Soccer. November 24, 2015. Archived from the original on July 13, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
  71. ^ Walsh, James (December 9, 2015). "Minnesota United picks Mortenson to build stadium". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on July 14, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
  72. ^ Bedakian, Armen (February 24, 2016). "Minnesota United Reveal Plans for New Soccer-Specific Stadium". The Score. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  73. ^ "MNUFC & Allianz Field". Minnesota United FC. July 25, 2017. Archived from the original on July 26, 2017. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  74. ^ McGuire, Mary (July 25, 2017). "Minnesota United's New Stadium Will Be Called Allianz Field". CBS Minnesota. Archived from the original on March 5, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  75. ^ Wright, Chris (December 15, 2017). "Allianz Field Announcement" (Video, Live Stream). Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2018 – via YouTube. We're going to open in March 2019, with 451 days to go.
  76. ^ Stejskal, Sam (August 19, 2016). "Minnesota United FC to join MLS in 2017, debuting at TCF Bank Stadium". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  77. ^ "Minnesota United Begin MLS Play in 2017". Minnesota United FC. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  78. ^ La Vaque, David; Van Berkel, Jessie (August 19, 2016). "Minnesota United is joining Major League Soccer in 2017". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  79. ^ "Minnesota United FC Roster". mnufc.com. Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  80. ^ "Minnesota United Part Ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath". Minnesota United FC. October 6, 2023. Archived from the original on October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  81. ^ a b "Technical Staff". Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  82. ^ a b c d e f g h "Front Office Staff". Minnesota United FC. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  83. ^ "Major League Soccer Table". espn.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  84. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS: Minnesota United FC vs. Atlas FC". mnufc.com. July 15, 2017. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  85. ^ "Pangop Scores First Goal in 2-1 Exhibition Loss to Saprissa". mnufc.com. July 11, 2018. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  86. ^ "MNUFC Depth on Display in 1-0 Loss to Hertha Berlin". mnufc.com. May 22, 2019. Archived from the original on June 18, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  87. ^ Connor, Dan (July 18, 2019). "The Verdict: Minnesota United 0-3 Aston Villa". Aston Villa F.C. Archived from the original on July 18, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  88. ^ Reidinger, Dave (June 11, 2022). "Recap MNUFC - 4, SC Paderborn 07 - 3". mnufc.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  89. ^ leaguescup. "PUEvsMIN 07-23-2023 | Match Recap". leaguescup. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  90. ^ leaguescup. "TOLvsMIN 08-08-2023 | Match Recap". leaguescup. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  91. ^ "FOX Sports North, Minnesota United announce programming agreement" (Press release). Fox Sports Group. February 8, 2018. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  92. ^ Greder, Andy (January 15, 2017). "United to hire Callum Williams to be TV play-by-play voice in MLS". Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  93. ^ Lucia, Ali (March 7, 2017). "Minnesotan To Meet: Minnesota United's Kyndra de St. Aubin". CBS Local. Archived from the original on September 30, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  94. ^ "Kyndra de St. Aubin: MNUFC Color Commentator". mnufc.com. January 18, 2017. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Minnesota United FC.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minnesota_United_FC&oldid=1263061270"