Minnesota United FC, commonly known as "The Loons," is a professional soccer club based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The team currently competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. In this blog post, we will explore the rich history of Minnesota United FC.
History
Minnesota United FC was founded in 2010 as the NSC Minnesota Stars and began play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2011. The team won the NASL championship in 2011 and 2019. In 2013, the team was rebranded as Minnesota United FC, and in 2017, they joined MLS as an expansion team. Since then, the Loons have steadily built a loyal fan base and become a competitive force in the league.
Colors and Badges
The colors of Minnesota United FC are gray, black, and light blue. The team's primary logo features a loon, which is a common bird in Minnesota and the state bird. The loon is depicted in profile with its wings spread, and the team name is written in a bold, modern font above it. The logo has gone through several iterations, with the most recent version featuring a simplified design with a focus on the loon's head.
Club Culture
Minnesota United FC has a strong club culture that is centered around the team's commitment to its fans and the local community. The team has a dedicated supporters group called the Dark Clouds, who are known for their passionate and vocal support of the team. The club also has a number of community initiatives, including a partnership with local non-profit organizations to promote youth soccer and a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Stadium
Minnesota United FC plays its home games at Allianz Field, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium located in Saint Paul. The stadium opened in 2019 and has a capacity of 19,400. The stadium features a unique translucent PTFE facade that can be lit up in the team's colors, as well as a safe-standing section for supporters.
Players and Staff
Minnesota United FC has a talented and diverse roster of players, with notable names including midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, forward Robin Lod, and goalkeeper Tyler Miller. The team is led by head coach Adrian Heath, who has been with the team since their NASL days. The coaching staff also includes assistant coaches Ian Fuller and Sean McAuley, as well as goalkeeping coach Marius Rovde.
Team Records
Since joining MLS in 2017, Minnesota United FC has established several team records. Their highest finish in the regular season standings came in 2019 when they finished fourth in the Western Conference. The team's longest unbeaten streak in MLS play is 11 games, which they achieved in 2019. The team's largest margin of victory in a single game is 7-1, which they accomplished against FC Cincinnati in 2019.
Honors
Minnesota United FC has won several honors during its history, including two NASL championships in 2011 and 2019. The team also won the Supporters' Shield in 2019, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record in MLS.
Broadcasting
Minnesota United FC games are broadcast on local television and radio stations, as well as on streaming services such as ESPN+. The team has also partnered with local media outlets to provide coverage and analysis of the team throughout the year.
In conclusion, Minnesota United FC is a team with a rich history and a bright future. With a passionate fan base, a commitment to its community, and a talented roster of players and staff, the Loons are sure to continue.
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