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Minnesota United FC

Coordinates:44°57′10″N93°09′54″W/ 44.9528°N 93.1651°W/44.9528; -93.1651
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This article is about the Major League Soccer team. For the North American Soccer League team, seeMinnesota United FC (2010–2016).

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

Minnesota United Football Club,often shortened toMNUFC,is an American professional soccer club based in theMinneapolis–Saint Paulmetropolitan area. The club competes inMajor League Soccer(MLS) as a member of theWestern Conference.The club began play in2017[3][4]as the league's 22nd club, and replaced theNorth American Soccer League(NASL) franchise of thesame name.

The club played its home games atTCF Bank Stadium,on the campus of theUniversity of MinnesotainMinneapolis,for its first two seasons in MLS play. Minnesota United FC completed construction ofAllianz Field,asoccer-specific stadiumin St. Paul'sMidway neighborhood,in early 2019.[5][6]

Minnesota United FC's ownership is led byBill McGuire,former CEO ofUnitedHealth Group,and includes other Minnesota sports owners: the Pohlad family, owners of theTwins;TimberwolvesownerGlen Taylor;formerWildinvestor Glen Nelson, and his daughter Wendy Carlson Nelson of theCarlsonhospitality company.

History

[edit]

In January 2010, the National Sports Center announced they would field a new team to replace theMinnesota 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, formerUSMNTplayerManny Lagoswas 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 theVancouver Whitecaps.[9][10]The first goal in franchise history was scored byDaniel Wassonin their next game, a 1–0 victory over theCarolina 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 the2012 seasonwith a 0–0 draw against the Carolina RailHawks at theMetrodomein front of a crowd of 8,693.[17]

On March 25, 2015, Major League Soccer commissionerDon Garberannounced 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 theMLB'sMinnesota Twins;Glen Taylor, former owner of theNBA'sMinnesota Timberwolves;and the late Glen Nelson, former investor of theNHL'sMinnesota Wild,along with his daughter Wendy Carlson Nelson, who is a board member of theCarlson Hospitality Company.[18]They beat out a competing bid byMinnesota VikingsownersMarkandZygi Wilf(both of whom would later become minority owners of MLS expansion franchiseNashville SC).[19][20][21]Garber said Minnesota would begin play in 2017 or 2018 – ifLos Angeles FCwas not ready to play in 2017, Minnesota would take its place.[22]

TheTwin Citieswere previously represented by theMinnesota Kicksin the top-levelNorth American Soccer League(NASL) from 1976 to 1981, and later theMinnesota Strikersin 1984. The Kicks played their home games at Bloomington'sMetropolitan Stadium,while the Strikers played at theHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

TheMinnesota Legislaturehad passed a bill in May 2012 for anew NFL stadiumprojected 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 MayorBetsy Hodges,and Minnesota SenatorTom Bakkcalled Major League Soccer to inform them that the state legislature would not be providing financing for asoccer-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 ofHennepin CountyCommissionerMike Opatand at least three members of theMinneapolis 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 thePortland TimbersatProvidence 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 Ramirezscored the team's first MLS goal.[28]The following weekend they played their home opener against fellow expansion teamAtlanta United FCin 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 theColorado Rapidsand a 5–2 loss atNew 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 overReal Salt Lakeon April 1.[33]As the season progressed, so had the team. In the mid-season, Minnesota had acquired Duluth nativeEthan FinlayfromColumbus Crew SCand made other signings to improve on the field. United finished its inaugural MLS season in ninth place in theWestern Conference.

2018 season

[edit]

MNUFC lost two key players - midfieldersKevin MolinoandEthan Finlay- to season-ending knee injuries early in the 2018 season. Shortly before Finlay's injury, the team signed its firstDesignated Player;Darwin Quinterojoined Minnesota United from Liga MX'sClub 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 forwardÁngelo Rodríguezjoined the club as its secondDesignated Playerlater 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 thirdDesignated Player,midfielderJán GregušfromF.C. Copenhagen;2017 MLS Defender of the YearIke Opara,traded fromSporting KC;longtimeSeattle Sounders FCdefensive midfielderOsvaldo Alonso;Ligue 2 defenderRomain Métanire;and goalkeeperVito Mannone,loaned fromReading F.C.

After beginning the 2019 season with five matches on the road, MNUFC played their first match at the newAllianz Fieldon 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 atLAFCon September 1.

The club made a very successful run in the2019 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 theWestern Conference,after placing as high as second late in the regular season. As a result, the club was awarded a spot in the 2020Leagues Cup.MNUFC played in its first MLS playoff match, hosting theLA Galaxyon October 20; the result was a 2–1 defeat.[35]

Two players received league-wide honors at the conclusion of the season.Ike Oparawas named 2019MLS 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 2019MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.[37]

2020 season

[edit]

After the 2019 season, Minnesota United tradedDarwin Quinteroto theHouston Dynamofor midfielderMarlon Hairstonand $600,000 in allocation money.[38]Upon the end of goalkeeper Vito Mannone's loan, Minnesota United brought inTyler Miller (soccer)via trade withLos Angeles FCto take the starting job. Prior to the season, MNUFC added a number of players including strikerLuis Amarillavia loan fromClub Atlético Vélez Sarsfield.[39]

The Loons got off to an excellent start for 2020 with two convincing road wins at thePortland TimbersandSan Jose Earthquakesin March, beforeMajor League Soccersuspended 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'sMLS 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 theColumbus Crew1–1 on penalty kicks and theSan Jose Earthquakes4–1, before losing toOrlando City SCin 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 midfielderEmanuel Reynosojoining the club fromBoca Juniorsas a Designated Player,[42]and veteran forwardKei Kamarajoining via trade from theColorado 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 theColorado Rapids3–0 at Allianz Field, then went on to defeat No. 1 seededSporting Kansas City3–0 on the road. The Loons then traveled to Seattle for the Western Conference final match against theSounders.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 ArgentinianFranco Fragapaneand FrenchmanAdrien Hunou.They ended the regular season in fifth place, earning an opening round playoff berth on the road against thePortland Timbers,but their season was ended with a 3-1 Portland victory.

2022 season

[edit]

2022 saw the breakout of goalkeeperDayne St. Clairwho anchored an impressive 8-save shutout against theNew York Red Bullsin 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 the2022 U.S. Open CupMinnesota fell toUSL League OnesideUnion Omaha2-1 in a notable upset.[45]MidfieldDPEmanuel Reynosojoined St. Clair in the2022 MLS All-Star Gamewhich 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 againstVancouver Whitecaps FCdecision day to clinch the 6th seed in the2022 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 againstFC Dallas.[48]

Colors and badge

[edit]
Kevin Molinoin the club's 2018–19 home kit

The badge features a stylizedloon,which is thestate birdofMinnesota,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 byL'Etoile du Nordwhich 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, aloon.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 theOasissong "Wonderwall"after all home victories.[56][57]

Stadium

[edit]
Main article:Allianz Field

44°57′10″N93°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 GovernorMark Daytonsaid 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, theMinnesota Senatevoted 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 toMinneapolis,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 neighboringSt. Paul.[64]Later that month, St. Paul mayorChris Colemanspoke to Abbott proposed building on a city-owned vacant lot that formerly housed theMetro Transitbus barn nearInterstate 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, theRamsey CountyBoard 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 hiredPopulousto design the stadium.[70] On December 9, 2015, the team hiredMortenson Constructionas 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 atTCF Bank Stadium,March 12, 2017.

On August 19, 2016, it was announced that Minnesota United would play in the2017 Major League Soccer season,with home matches atTCF 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 November 27, 2024[79]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF United StatesUSA Devin Padelford
4 DF MexicoMEX Miguel Tapias
5 DF Saint Kitts and NevisSKN Ethan Bristow
8 MF HondurasHON Joseph Rosales
9 FW ItalyITA Kelvin Yeboah
11 FW South KoreaKOR Jeong Sang-bin
13 DF United StatesUSA Anthony Markanich
14 FW CanadaCAN Tani Oluwaseyi
15 DF New ZealandNZL Michael Boxall
17 MF FinlandFIN Robin Lod
18 DF SlovakiaSVK Matúš Kmeť
19 FW EnglandENG Samuel Shashoua
20 MF United StatesUSA Wil Trapp
No. Pos. Nation Player
21 FW South AfricaRSA Bongokuhle Hlongwane
22 FW FinlandFIN Teemu Pukki
23 DF GermanyGER Morris Duggan
26 MF ArgentinaARG Joaquín Pereyra
27 DF United StatesUSA DJ Taylor
28 DF ColombiaCOL Jefferson Díaz
30 GK United StatesUSA Alec Smir
31 MF United StatesUSA Hassani Dotson
67 MF PanamaPAN Carlos Harvey
90 MF TogoTOG Loïc Mesanvi
97 GK CanadaCAN Dayne St. Clair
99 FW United StatesUSA Jordan Adebayo-Smith

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
25 MF Costa RicaCRC Alejandro Bran(on loan toBurton 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, seeList 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 United StatesChristian Ramirez 14
2018 MLS 34 11 20 3 49 71 –22 36 1.06 10th 18th Ro16 23,902 ColombiaDarwin Quintero 11
2019 MLS 34 15 11 8 52 43 +9 53 1.56 4th 7th R1 RU 19,723 ColombiaDarwin 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 Trinidad and TobagoKevin Molino 13
2021 MLS 34 13 11 10 42 44 -2 49 1.44 5th 11th R1 NH DNQ 14,381 FinlandRobin Lod 9
2022 MLS 34 14 14 6 48 51 -3 48 1.41 6th 11th R1 Ro16 19,555 ArgentinaEmanuel Reynoso 12
2023 MLS 34 10 13 11 46 51 -5 41 1.21 11th 21st DNQ Ro16 Leagues Cup QF 19,568 South AfricaBongokuhle Hlongwane 17
2024 MLS 34 15 12 7 58 49 +9 52 1.53 6th 10th QF DNP Leagues Cup GS 19,566 South AfricaBongokuhle Hlongwane 11

^1.Avg. attendanceinclude 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 CroatiaNK Istra 1961
July 15, 2017 Friendly TCF Bank Stadium Minnesota United FC 1–1[84] MexicoAtlas
July 11, 2018 Friendly TCF Bank Stadium Minnesota United FC 1–2[85] Costa RicaSaprissa
May 22, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 0–1[86] GermanyHertha Berlin
July 17, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 0–3[87] EnglandAston Villa
September 7, 2019 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2–2 MexicoC.F. Pachuca
February 19, 2022 Friendly Providence Park Minnesota United FC 2–2 NorwayViking FK
June 11, 2022 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–3[88] GermanySC Paderborn 07
July 20, 2022 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–0 EnglandEverton F.C.
June 28, 2023 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2–1 Germany1. FC Kaiserslautern
July 23, 2023 Leagues Cup Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 4–0[89] MexicoClub Puebla
August 8, 2023 Leagues Cup Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 2(p)–2[90] MexicoDeportivo Toluca
March 20, 2024 Friendly Allianz Field Minnesota United FC 1–0 Republic of IrelandSt Patrick's Athletic

Honors

[edit]

Broadcasting

[edit]

From 2023, every Minnesota United match is available viaMLS Season Passon theApple 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 onWFTCfor the2017 Major League Soccer season,then moved toBally Sports NorthandBally Sports Wisconsinin the 2018 season (which were then named at the time as Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin respectively). For the2021 Major League Soccer season,WUCWbecame the over-the-air home of Minnesota United, airing 16 matches as simulcasts from Bally Sports North.KSTPserves 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 forSporting Kansas Citywhen 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 theBBCandSky Sports.[92]Williams was joined in the commentary box byKyndra de St. Aubinwho provides color commentary. De St. Aubin, aStillwaternative, was the only female color commentator currently coveringMajor 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 the2015 FIFA Women's World Cupas part of the five broadcast teams that covered that tournament.[94]

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[edit]
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