Minnesota United FC explained

Clubname:Minnesota United
Upright:0.65
Fullname:Minnesota United FC
Short Name:MNUFC
Nickname:The Loons, The Black and Blue[1]
Founded:[2]
Stadium:Allianz Field
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Capacity:19,400
Chrtitle:Owner
Chairman:Bill McGuire
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Manager:Eric Ramsay
League:Major League Soccer
Season:2023
Position:Western Conference

11th
Overall: 21st
Playoffs: Did not qualify

Current:2024 Minnesota United FC season
Website:https://www.mnufc.com/
American:true
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Minnesota United FC, often shortened to MNUFC, is an American professional soccer club based in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The club plays in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer. 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.

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

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] 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

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 .[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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsorSleeve sponsor
2017–2020AdidasTarget[52] —
2020–2022Bell Bank
2023–presentAllianz

Club culture

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

See main article: Allianz Field. 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]

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

Management

Coaching staff

Technical staff

Front office

Team records

See main article: List of Minnesota United FC records and statistics.

List of seasons

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

SeasonLeaguePositionPlayoffsUSOCContinental / OtherAverage
attendance		Top goalscorer(s)
DivLeaguePldWLDGFGAGDPtsPPGConf.OverallName(s)Goals
20171MLS34101864770361.069th19thDNQR4DNQ20,538 Christian Ramirez14
2018MLS34112034971–22361.0610th18thRo1623,902 Darwin Quintero11
2019MLS34151185243+9531.564th7thR1bgcolor=silver RU19,723 Darwin Quintero16
2020MLS219573626+10341.624th9thSFNHLeagues Cup
MLS is Back Tournament		NH
SF		N/A Kevin Molino13
2021MLS341311104244-2491.445th11thR1NHDNQ14,381 Robin Lod9
2022MLS34 14 14 6 48 51 -3 48 1.41 6th 11th R1Ro1619,555 Emanuel Reynoso12
2023MLS34 10 13 11 46 51 -5 41 1.21 11th 21st DNQRo16Leagues CupQF19,568 Bongokuhle Hlongwane17
2024MLS25 9 10 6 40 41 -1 33 1.32 9th 16th TBDDNPLeagues CupGS19,613 Tani Oluwaseyi8
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

width=13%Datewidth=14%Competitionwidth=17%Venuewidth=15%Home teamwidth=5%Resultwidth=15%Away team
February 3, 2017FriendlyKino Sports ComplexMinnesota United FC1–1 NK Istra 1961
July 15, 2017FriendlyTCF Bank StadiumMinnesota United FC1–1[82] Atlas
July 11, 2018FriendlyTCF Bank StadiumMinnesota United FC1–2[83] Saprissa
May 22, 2019FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC0–1[84] Hertha Berlin
July 17, 2019FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC0–3[85] Aston Villa
September 7, 2019FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC2–2 C.F. Pachuca
February 19, 2022FriendlyProvidence ParkMinnesota United FC2–2 Viking FK
June 11, 2022FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC4–3[86] SC Paderborn 07
July 20, 2022FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC4–0 Everton F.C.
June 28, 2023FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC2–1 1. FC Kaiserslautern
July 23, 2023Leagues CupAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC4–0[87] Club Puebla
August 8, 2023Leagues CupAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC2(p)–2[88] Deportivo Toluca
March 20, 2024FriendlyAllianz FieldMinnesota United FC1–0 St Patrick's Athletic

Honors

Broadcasting

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.[89]

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.[90] 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.[91] She also covered the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup as part of the five broadcast teams that covered that tournament.[92]

Notes and References

  1. News: RSL v MNU 2017 MLS Preseason Match. MNUNFC.com. February 14, 2017. February 15, 2017. April 22, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170422024452/http://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/02/14/rslvmnu-2017-mls-preseason-match-preview. live.
  2. Web site: NSC Minnesota is Name of New Pro Soccer Team - Logo Unveiled | IMS Soccer News . https://web.archive.org/web/20160625040732/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/02/05/nsc-minnesota-is-name-of-new-pro-soccer-team-logo-unveiled/ . June 25, 2016 . February 5, 2010 .
  3. News: Atlanta to join Eastern Conference in 2017, Minnesota to compete in West. Major League Soccer. August 20, 2016. November 19, 2016. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108122637/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/19/atlanta-join-eastern-conference-2017-minnesota-compete-west. live.
  4. News: David La Vaque. Jessie Van Berkel. Minnesota United is joining Major League Soccer in 2017. Star Tribune. August 19, 2016. August 20, 2016. October 5, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100712/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-is-joining-major-league-soccer-in-2017/390753901/. live.
  5. Web site: Minnesota United FC announce plan for new St. Paul stadium. MLSsoccer.com. October 23, 2015. October 24, 2015. October 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151025131925/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/23/minnesota-united-fc-announce-plan-new-st-paul-stadium. live.
  6. Web site: Minnesota United FC homepage. mnufc.com. February 6, 2019. February 6, 2019. February 3, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190203060948/https://www.mnufc.com/. live.
  7. Leighton, Tim (January 8, 2010) "Soccer – New team will replace Thunder" Saint Paul Pioneer Press
  8. Web site: Quarstad . Brian . NSC Minnesota is Name of New Pro Soccer Team – Logo Unveiled | IMS Soccer News . Insidemnsoccer.com . October 30, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160625040732/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/02/05/nsc-minnesota-is-name-of-new-pro-soccer-team-logo-unveiled/ . June 25, 2016 . dead .
  9. Web site: USSF Division-2 Pro League . Ussf.demosphere.com . April 11, 2010 . October 30, 2011 . March 3, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195756/http://ussf.demosphere.com/stats/2010/1634145.html . live .
  10. La Vaque, David (April 25, 2010) "Stars launch franchise with a win  – The team, the successor to the Thunder, scored its first goal on a penalty kick and made it hold up." Star Tribune
  11. Web site: USSF Division-2 Pro League . Ussf.demosphere.com . April 16, 2010 . October 30, 2011 . November 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231108021104/http://ussf.demosphere.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::73193+Elements/Display+E+47107+Stats/+1634148 . live .
  12. Web site: Quarstad. Brian. Minnesota Stars Get New Name and Logo: Minnesota Stars FC. Inside Minnesota Soccer. April 9, 2012. January 10, 2012. August 26, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170826214319/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/10/minnesota-stars-get-new-name-and-logo-minnesota-stars-fc/. live.
  13. Web site: NSC Minnesota Stars are now Minnesota Stars FC. Minnesota Stars FC. April 9, 2012. January 9, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120204010118/http://mnstarsfc.com/2012/01/nsc-minnesota-stars-are-now-minnesota-stars-fc/. February 4, 2012. dead.
  14. News: Leighton. Tim. Minnesota Stars could envision move up to MLS. April 9, 2012. Saint Paul Pioneer Press. April 6, 2012. April 11, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120411225919/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_20341480/mls-team-vikings-stadium-minnesota-stars-say-theyd. live.
  15. News: Vomhof. John Jr.. For sale: Twin Cities pro soccer team. April 9, 2012. Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. April 6, 2012. April 10, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120410010044/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/print-edition/2012/04/06/stars-have-trophy-but-need-a-buyer--.html. live.
  16. News: La Vaque. David. Minnesota Stars face bigger challenge: Winning new fans, owner. April 9, 2012. Star Tribune. April 6, 2012. April 10, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120410075124/http://www.startribune.com/sports/146494575.html. live.
  17. News: La Vaque. David. Champion Stars stymied in scoreless season soccer opener. April 9, 2012. Star Tribune. April 8, 2012. May 3, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140503122315/http://www.startribune.com/sports/146564795.html. live.
  18. Web site: 2015-03-25 . Major League Soccer team coming to Mpls. . 2024-02-08 . MPR News . en . February 8, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240208105830/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/25/mls-soccer-minneapolis . live .
  19. News: Major League Soccer awards expansion team to Minnesota that will begin play in 2018. Major League Soccer. March 25, 2015. August 20, 2016. December 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161225013443/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/03/25/major-league-soccer-awards-expansion-team-minnesota-will-begin-play-2018. live.
  20. News: Baxter. Kevin. MLS awards 23rd franchise to Minneapolis. Los Angeles Times. March 25, 2015. March 25, 2015. April 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150415142720/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-mls-awards-23rd-franchise-to-minneapolis-20150325-story.html. live.
  21. News: Garrison. Joey. Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, joins Nashville's MLS ownership group. December 23, 2017. The Tennessean. August 8, 2017. July 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220721060409/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/08/08/wilf-family-owners-minnesota-vikings-joins-nashvilles-major-league-soccer-ownership-group/546471001/. live.
  22. News: Stejskal. Sam. MLS Commissioner Don Garber: Minneapolis represents everything that is spurring growth of MLS. Major League Soccer. March 25, 2015. March 27, 2015. March 28, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150328124447/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/03/25/mls-commissioner-don-garber-minneapolis-represents-everything-spurring-growt. live.
  23. Web site: Brian Quarstad . MLS Commissioner Don Garber Says Minnesota 'Goes on List' with New Vikings Stadium . Insidemnsoccer.com.com . May 12, 2012 . May 12, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120516090852/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/05/12/mls-commissioner-don-garber-says-minnesota-goes-on-list-with-new-vikings-stadium/ . May 16, 2012 . dead .
  24. News: Another downtown stadium? Somebody wants one. December 11, 2013. John Jr.. Vomhof. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. March 26, 2015. March 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150330153815/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/sports-business/2013/12/mn-united-tour-mls-kansas-city-stadium.html?page=all. live.
  25. News: MINNESOTA DISUNITED: THE FIGHT OVER AN MLS STADIUM IN MINNEAPOLIS. Vice Sports. Elliott. Turner. April 22, 2015. April 23, 2015. June 14, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150614163606/https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/minnesota-disunited-the-fight-over-an-mls-stadium-in-minneapolis. dead.
  26. News: Eric . Roper . Minneapolis Star Tribune . Stadium plan is crucial next step for MLS in Minneapolis . March 25, 2015 . March 28, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150328042356/http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/297605191.html . live .
  27. News: Minnesota United claim unwanted MLS record after 5–1 debut loss at Portland. March 4, 2017. The Guardian. Sport. Guardian. March 21, 2017. March 20, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170320215313/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/04/minnesota-united-mls-record-5-1-defeat-portland. live.
  28. Web site: Portland Timbers 5, Minnesota United 1 – 2017 MLS Match Recap. March 6, 2017. March 4, 2017. March 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170316202311/http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-03-03-portland-timbers-vs-minnesota-united-fc/recap. live.
  29. Web site: Minnesota United FC home opener clocks in as coldest ever MLS game. Rosano. Nicholas. March 12, 2017. MLS. March 13, 2017. March 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170316100200/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/12/minnesota-united-fc-home-opener-clocks-coldest-ever-mls-game. live.
  30. Web site: Minnesota United 1-6 Atlanta United - Major League Soccer 2017 Live. www.whoscored.com. March 16, 2017. March 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204427/https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1157628/Live. live.
  31. Web site: Is Minnesota this bad? Comparing the Loons to MLS' expansion strugglers. ESPNFC. March 21, 2017. March 21, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170321172823/http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/minnesota-united-fc/17362/blog/post/3081718/is-minnesota-this-bad-comparing-the-loons-to-mls-expansion-strugglers. live.
  32. Web site: New England condemns Minnesota to inglorious record; Timbers toppled. ESPN FC. March 29, 2017. March 28, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170328141144/http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3090091/new-england-condemns-minnesota-to-dubious-record-crew-sc-topples-timbers. live.
  33. Web site: Minnesota United finally won their first match with of mix of good attacking and a Nick Rimando error. Fox Sports. April 3, 2017. April 2, 2017. August 27, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075259/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/minnesota-united-first-win-mls-video-highlights-watch-040117. live.
  34. News: Patrick. Joe. August 28, 2019. In the end, Atlanta United win US Open Cup Final with old-fashioned grit. February 7, 2020. December 11, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191211132935/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/08/28/end-atlanta-united-win-u-s-open-cup-old-fashioned-grit. live.
  35. News: Liljenwall. Ari. Minnesota United 1, LA Galaxy 2 - 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap. Major League Soccer. October 20, 2019. November 25, 2019. October 24, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191024062904/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/20/minnesota-united-1-la-galaxy-2-2019-mls-cup-playoffs-match-recap. live.
  36. Web site: Bogert. Tom. Minnesota United's Ike Opara wins 2019 MLS Defender of the Year. October 17, 2019. November 25, 2019. October 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191017220157/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/17/minnesota-uniteds-ike-opara-wins-2019-mls-defender-year. live.
  37. Web site: Minnesota United FC's Vito Mannone voted Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. October 24, 2019. November 25, 2019. December 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191212095943/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/24/minnesota-united-fc-s-vito-mannone-voted-allstate-mls-goalkeeper-year. live.
  38. Web site: Minnesota United Trades Darwin Quintero to Houston Dynamo. November 13, 2019. September 29, 2020. September 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200913073255/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2019/11/13/minnesota-united-trades-darwin-quintero-houston-dynamo. live.
  39. Web site: Luis Amarilla Joins MNUFC. January 28, 2020. September 29, 2020. September 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200913064800/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2020/01/28/luis-amarilla-joins-mnufc. live.
  40. Web site: MLS extends season suspension in accordance with CDC guidance on COVID-19. March 19, 2020. September 29, 2020. April 23, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200423050313/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/19/mls-extends-season-suspension-accordance-cdc-guidance-covid-19. live.
  41. Web site: MLS is Back Tournament. June 10, 2020. September 29, 2020. June 16, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200616043154/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament. live.
  42. Web site: Emanuel Reynoso Signs With MNUFC. September 1, 2020. September 29, 2020. September 30, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200930205500/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2020/09/01/emanuel-reynoso-signs-mnufc. live.
  43. Web site: Kei Kamara Signs With MNUFC. September 19, 2020. September 29, 2020. October 28, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201028225523/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2020/09/19/kei-kamara-signs-mnufc. live.
  44. Web site: Seattle Sounders 3, Minnesota United FC 2 – 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap. December 7, 2020. December 7, 2020. December 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201208074659/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-12-07-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc/recap. live.
  45. Web site: MNUFC . Recap Minnesota United - 1, Union Omaha - 2 Minnesota United FC . 2022-11-07 . MNUFC . en . November 7, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221107210315/https://www.mnufc.com/news/recap-minnesota-united-1-union-omaha-2 . live .
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  47. Web site: MNUFC . Path to the Playoffs – a New Season Starts Now Minnesota United FC . 2022-11-07 . MNUFC . en . November 7, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221107210320/https://www.mnufc.com/news/path-to-the-playoffs-a-new-season-starts-now . live .
  48. Web site: MNUFC . Playoff Recap FC Dallas – 1(5), Minnesota United – 1(4) Minnesota United FC . 2022-11-07 . MNUFC . en . November 7, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221107210317/https://www.mnufc.com/news/playoff-recap-fc-dallas-1-5-minnesota-united-1-4 . live .
  49. Web site: Minnesota Stars FC Rebrands As Minnesota United FC | North American Soccer League . Nasl.com . March 5, 2013 . July 4, 2013 . September 27, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130927194241/http://nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=4144 . live .
  50. Web site: Learn about Minnesota United's Name, Colors, and logo ahead of 2017 debut. MLS. August 19, 2016. July 6, 2017. August 8, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170808005930/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/19/learn-about-minnesota-united-fcs-name-colors-and-logo-ahead-2017-debut. live.
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  52. Web site: Target Becomes Official Partner And Kit Sponsor . Minnesota United FC . January 19, 2017 . July 18, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170718151102/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/01/19/target-becomes-official-partner-and-kit-sponsor . live .
  53. Web site: Allianz Spirit of Giving Event. Minnesota United FC. March 19, 2018. December 5, 2017. March 20, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105518/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/12/05/allianz-spirit-giving-event. live.
  54. Web site: Press Kit. Minnesota United FC. March 19, 2018. September 15, 2016. March 20, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105539/https://www.mnufc.com/news/press-kit. live.
  55. Web site: Fans | Supporters | Minnesota United FC. June 15, 2019. November 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191102053449/https://www.mnufc.com/fans/supporters. live.
  56. Web site: Tradition Tuesday: Wonderwall. October 21, 2019. March 7, 2017. October 22, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191022124304/https://www.dark-clouds.com/2017/03/93535/. live.
  57. Web site: Maybe you're gonna be the one that saves me: The genesis of Minnesota United's 'Wonderwall'. October 21, 2019. April 19, 2019. August 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828115352/https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/minnesota-united-fc/17362/blog/post/3822095/maybe-youre-gonna-be-the-one-that-saves-me-the-genesis-of-minnesota-uniteds-wonderwall. live.
  58. News: MLS to make 'major announcement' Wednesday at Target Field . Minneapolis Star Tribune . March 24, 2015 . Mike . Kaszuba . Dennis Brackin . March 25, 2015 . March 27, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150327031415/http://www.startribune.com/local/297249431.html . live .
  59. News: Greder. Andy. United FC asks for tax relief on privately financed stadium. April 20, 2015. St. Paul Pioneer Press. April 14, 2015. April 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150417012403/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_27911305/minnesota-united-fc-asks-state-tax-relief-but. live.
  60. News: Minnesota United owner meets with governor over tax ememptions. April 20, 2015. Associated Press. April 14, 2015. July 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150708154710/http://www.espnfc.com/minnesota-united-fc/story/2399670/minnesota-united-owner-meets-with-governor-over-tax-ememptions-for-stadium. live.
  61. News: Erin . Golden . Minneapolis mayor rejects tax break plan for soccer stadium . Minneapolis Star Tribune . April 22, 2015 . April 15, 2015 . April 19, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150419115029/http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/299995151.html . live .
  62. News: Senate votes to bar state money for soccer stadium . Minneapolis Star Tribune . April 22, 2015 . Patrick . Codon . April 20, 2015 . April 23, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150423195306/http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/300701961.html . live .
  63. News: United owner Bill McGuire open to public stadium ownership . Minnesota Public Radio . May 6, 2015 . Curtis . Gilbert . April 30, 2015 . May 2, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150502234832/http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/04/30/bcst-united-soccer-stadium . live .
  64. News: MLS's stadium deadline passes, but Minnesota still in play for expansion. Brian. Straus. July 1, 2015. Planet Fútbol. December 10, 2017. January 19, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235240/https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/07/01/mls-minnesota-expansion-stadium-deadline-st-paul. live.
  65. News: Soccer in St. Paul: Mayor pushes Snelling site for MLS stadium. July 10, 2015. Pioneer Press. Andy. Greder. Frederick Melo. July 14, 2015. July 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150711214621/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28458274/soccer-st-paul-mayor-pushes-snelling-site-mls. live.
  66. News: Roper. Eric. Minneapolis soccer stadium land deal ends in silence. September 3, 2015. Star Tribune. September 1, 2015. September 3, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150903222332/http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-soccer-stadium-land-deal-ends-in-silence/323534921/. live.
  67. News: Melo. Frederick. Ramsey County approves St. Paul soccer stadium resolution. St. Paul Pioneer Press. September 8, 2015. September 9, 2015. September 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150909150058/http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_28776524/ramsey-county-approves-st-paul-soccer-stadium-resolution. live.
  68. News: Melo. Frederick. Minnesota United FC announce plan for new St. Paul stadium resolution. Major League Soccer. October 23, 2015. October 23, 2015. October 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151025131925/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/23/minnesota-united-fc-announce-plan-new-st-paul-stadium. live.
  69. Web site: A vision for the future – Minnesota United. Minnesota United FC. October 26, 2015. October 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151025181839/http://www.newstpaulstadium.com/. live.
  70. Web site: Minnesota United hire Populous as architect for new St. Paul stadium. Major League Soccer. December 5, 2016. November 24, 2015. July 13, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160713143051/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/24/minnesota-united-hire-populous-architect-new-st-paul-stadium. live.
  71. Web site: Walsh. James. Minnesota United picks Mortenson to build stadium. Star Tribune. December 5, 2016. December 9, 2015. July 14, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160714101856/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-picks-mortenson-to-build-stadium/361251811/. live.
  72. Web site: Minnesota United Reveal Plans for New Soccer-Specific Stadium. The Score. Armen. Bedakian. February 24, 2016 . February 25, 2016. July 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220721060410/https://www.thescore.com/news/966986. live.
  73. News: MNUFC & Allianz Field. March 5, 2018. Minnesota United FC. July 25, 2017. July 26, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170726050442/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/07/25/mnufc-allianz-field. live.
  74. News: McGuire. Mary. Minnesota United's New Stadium Will Be Called Allianz Field. March 5, 2018. CBS Minnesota. July 25, 2017. March 5, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202744/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/07/25/minnesota-united-allianz-field/. live.
  75. Web site: Wright. Chris. Allianz Field Announcement. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/29UvDR0OxUw . 2021-12-14 . live. YouTube. Minnesota United FC. March 5, 2018. Video, Live Stream. December 15, 2017. We're going to open in March 2019, with 451 days to go..
  76. News: Stejskal. Sam. Minnesota United FC to join MLS in 2017, debuting at TCF Bank Stadium. Major League Soccer. August 19, 2016. August 20, 2016. August 22, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160822124523/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/19/minnesota-united-fc-join-mls-2017-debuting-tcf-bank-stadium. live.
  77. News: Minnesota United Begin MLS Play in 2017. Minnesota United FC. August 19, 2016. August 20, 2016. August 22, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160822041815/http://www.mnunitedfc.com/news/2016/08/19/minnesota-united-begin-mls-play-in-2017. live.
  78. News: La Vaque. David. Van Berkel. Jessie. Minnesota United is joining Major League Soccer in 2017. Star Tribune. August 19, 2016. August 19, 2016. October 5, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100712/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-is-joining-major-league-soccer-in-2017/390753901/. live.
  79. Web site: Minnesota United Part Ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath . Minnesota United FC . October 6, 2023 . October 6, 2023 . October 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231007080900/https://www.mnufc.com/news/minnesota-united-part-ways-with-head-coach-adrian-heath . live .
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  81. Web site: Front Office Staff . Minnesota United FC . November 13, 2019 . April 19, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190419211316/https://www.mnufc.com/club/front-office . live .
  82. Web site: HIGHLIGHTS: Minnesota United FC vs. Atlas FC . July 15, 2017 . mnufc.com . July 6, 2019 . July 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190707035522/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/07/15/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-atlas-fc-july-15-2017 . live .
  83. Web site: Pangop Scores First Goal in 2-1 Exhibition Loss to Saprissa . July 11, 2018 . mnufc.com . July 6, 2019 . April 19, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190419214525/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2018/07/11/pangop-scores-first-goal-2-1-exhibition-loss-saprissa . live .
  84. Web site: MNUFC Depth on Display in 1-0 Loss to Hertha Berlin . May 22, 2019 . mnufc.com . July 6, 2019 . June 18, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190618073111/https://www.mnufc.com/post/2019/05/22/mnufc-depth-display-1-0-loss-hertha-berlin . live .
  85. Web site: The Verdict: Minnesota United 0-3 Aston Villa. Connor. Dan. July 18, 2019. Aston Villa F.C.. July 18, 2019. July 18, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190718075745/https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/07/17/the-verdict-minnesota-united-0-3-aston-villa. live.
  86. Web site: Recap MNUFC - 4, SC Paderborn 07 - 3. Reidinger. Dave. June 11, 2022. mnufc.com. June 19, 2022. June 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220618233644/https://www.mnufc.com/news/recap-mnufc-4-sc-paderborn-07-3. live.
  87. Web site: leaguescup . PUEvsMIN 07-23-2023 Match Recap . 2023-10-11 . leaguescup . en . August 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230801174125/https://www.leaguescup.com/competitions/leagues-cup/2023/matches/puevsmin-07-23-2023/ . live .
  88. Web site: leaguescup . TOLvsMIN 08-08-2023 Match Recap . 2023-10-11 . leaguescup . en . August 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230810131014/https://www.leaguescup.com/competitions/leagues-cup/2023/matches/tolvsmin-08-08-2023/ . live .
  89. FOX Sports North, Minnesota United announce programming agreement. Fox Sports Group. February 8, 2018. March 11, 2018. March 11, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180311140712/https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-united-announce-programming-agreement-2018-broadcast-schedule-020818. live.
  90. Web site: Greder. Andy. United to hire Callum Williams to be TV play-by-play voice in MLS. Pioneer Press. August 17, 2017. January 15, 2017. August 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204140/http://www.twincities.com/2017/01/14/united-to-hire-callum-williams-to-be-tv-play-by-play-voice-in-mls/. live.
  91. Web site: Lucia. Ali. Minnesotan To Meet: Minnesota United's Kyndra de St. Aubin. CBS Local. August 17, 2017. March 7, 2017. September 30, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170930003213/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/03/07/minnesota-uniteds-kyndra-de-st-aubin/. live.
  92. Web site: Kyndra de St. Aubin: MNUFC Color Commentator. mnufc.com. August 17, 2017. January 18, 2017. August 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817205305/https://www.mnufc.com/schedule/broadcast-info/kyndra-de-st-aubin. live.

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