BLAINE, Minn. — That is the goal of the North American Soccer League(NASL). The league that Minnesota’s only professional soccer team has played in for the last two seasons. The team won the NASL title in 2011 and was the runner-up last season. Even with the great success on the field there was much tumult off the field as the team was in a desperate search for an owner. The league owned and operated the team for the last two seasons and a third season of league ownership was not likely. Thankfully for soccer fans a local ownership group stepped forward and saved the franchise from elimination.
NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson expressed the league’s commitment to delivering excellence to its many fans. “We’re trying to build North America’s strongest and most exciting professional soccer league. Period.”
Head coach Manny Lagos has had the task of keeping the players focused while team officials worked to ensure the future of the franchise. Now he is able to look towards the future with great excitement. “It’s so exciting for Minnesota and for everyone involved in the sport… everybody here today acknowledges that there’s such great potential” Lagos said. New owner and Minnesota business leader and philanthropist Dr. Bill McGuire notes the unique experience of obtaining a team like the Minnesota United FC. “There are few opportunities when you start something up [where] you get to start with something that is a nucleus—that is successful already.”
Dr. McGuire and the new ownership team spent the last several months working to rebrand the team known as the Minnesota Stars FC. That work came to fruition this week as team’s new name and logo were unveiled. The team will now take on the name Minnesota United FC. The team held a large press conference at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis this week to announce the changes. A backdrop that was very fitting when talking about a sport that is widely referred to as the global game.
Minnesota United is set up to have a very successful season on the field as the team’s front office has put together a powerhouse roster.
The team will play its first five games at the Metrodome in Minneapolis before returning to the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine for the remainer of its home schedule. The team has a very loyal fan base and Coach Lagos is confident that once people experience the game day atmosphere they will be hooked on Minnesota United soccer. Lagos praised Minnesota fans, stating, “We have such passionate fans—on the young side, we’ve got such a family-friendly environment; on the other side, it creates a great identity for anyone that wants to see what the sport is all about.”
Dr. McGuire knows that tough work is ahead as they endeavor to unite the community in support of this team. However, he is confidently optimistic about the future of Minnesota United FC and its ability to bring the state together. “We are going to reach out into the communities… and be a part of them. We will be listening to you for feedback about how we can jointly promote this beautiful game, in this beautiful state, with the same uniting passion we all want to see throughout all of our society.”
The home opener will be held on Saturday, April 6 at the Metrodome. The team’s first game at the NSC Stadium in Blaine will be on the Fourth of July and will feature fireworks after the game.
Related Links:
Minnesota United FC Website
