OFFICIAL: MLS Awards Minnesota next franchise!

Congrats to Minn!

 

Didn't know you guys would take such a drastic measure to get one more open cup round away from the Menace . Congratulations guys!

 

Congrats Minnesota! As a Minnesotan by birth, I'll be supporting you whenever you're not playing SKC. I'm looking forward to 2018!

 

Congrats, Loons.

 

Bill McGuire's 'gut move' is bold bet on future of Minnesota soccer
http://www.startribune.com/business/297901571.html

 

I am entirely opposed to Minnesota United FC having to change their name.

The team has built a lot of momentum of late and have done a great job of building an identity. It boggles the mind that MLS would potentially impact that image and momentum by making them drop "United".

 

Any more info on the team name? I'm obviously biased on the issue. Having followed DC United for 20 years, it seems to me that naming another MLS team United makes about as much sense as naming another NBA team the Celtics. Is United really such a great name that three MLS clubs must have it? The Pacific Northwest teams have prospered under their campy old NASL names. I've just finished "Rock N Roll Soccer: The Short Life and Fast Times of the Northern American Soccer Leagues." It's a must read for anyone with NASL memories, and fun for any American soccer fan. Apparently the Minnesota Kicks (1975-80) had a tailgate scene at the Met that was so outrageous it was literally world famous. There are worse legacies for a new club.

 

The reason for the name uproar is that Minnesota has used United for several years now. Then, the team was let in to MLS in March with United everywhere. 3 months later (after MNUFC's expansion is announced), Atlanta also decides to call their new team United, because..... anyone....

So, two United's is OK, but three is apparantly crazy talk

 

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-...sion-announcement-coming-in-a-couple-of-weeks

Minnesota United could also start in 2017, though Garber didn't mention the club by name.

 

What can we as fans do to persuade MLS to keep the "United" name?

 

There was an online petition.

 

Do it! And, the very best of luck to you from a D.C. United supporter. England has more than a few teams that incorporate the word "United" in their name and the English fans are not confused.

 

Well I live in California & am a Galaxy STH. Grew up in England & always supported Man Utd.

Just don't think it's fair or sensible to make Minnesota change their name.

United is as common as "City". Stuff like this just gives ammo to MLS critics.

 

As another DC United supporter that's not my opinion. Branding is important in any business and Washington has been "United" for 20 years. Minnesota has had the name for three years. I'm not sure how a debate over the United name gives ammo to MLS critics. Does it really matter to them whether or not MLS clubs choose Euro names? Pretty petty if so.

It's telling that Euro basketball teams keep the branding that works for their soccer teams. And don't tell me that's because sometimes the same clubs sponsor soccer and basketball teams. If there was more money in naming them the Lakers, Celtics or Bulls they would have done so.

It's also relevant that some of our popular clubs have kept their American style names - Sounders, Whitecaps, and Timbers.

That said, if market research really says that Euro names sell more tickets I'm okay with that. How about if we go with 5 FCs, 5 cites, 5 uniteds, and 5 sportings?

 

Three years may not be 20, but it's three more years than any team that has represented Atlanta on the playing field (you know, actually playing a match) has used it.

Which is really what irks us up here. If we can't use it, fine, but Atlanta shouldn't be able to either. If it's ok for Atlanta (henceforth to be referred to as "those name-stealing thieves"), then why isn't it ok for us? Like you said, branding is important.

Consistency is all we ask here, Don.

 

It's not the actual name that I have an issue with. I've no beef with a team using a "Euro" style name, a US style name or something different.

This is about:

1) MLS making a team change a perfectly good name.

2) The reason for the name change: Despite DC Utd & MN Utd already existing, Atlanta also chose Utd (which is fine) THEN decided that MLS ought to not have 3.

If that's how they felt, why did they CHOOSE that name?

It makes no sense.

 

So I'm going to post this in several places (including the SRFC expansion thread, because our timetable affects your timetable) and this is kind of Breaking News, as it were...

As I was leaving the game tonight (we got blown out by Miami, for goodness sake, it was pathetic), staff was handling out cards.

On one side of the card was an altered crest, with the Loon over the hashtag #NextStopMLS...

The alteration to the crest? No wording. Minnesota United FC was gone.

On the back, below an MLS shield in the team colors of gray, light blue and black, was a three letter club abbreviation, the date 08.19.16 and the words "Be there".

Oh, that club abbreviation?

Not MNU. Not even MIN.

STP.

St. Paul FC?

 

Im an outsider to this team but I find Minnesota United super interesting and am rooting for your success. Had a couple questions...

What is your ideal/strongest starting lineup (assuming everyones healthy) as well as your bench, right now (NASL)?

Also...moving up to MLS, who do you think on the current squad is likely to make the jump to MLS with the team. Just curious. Thanks!

 

http://www.twincities.com/2016/08/0...ement-set-for-aug-19-at-st-pauls-union-depot/

United FC’s MLS announcement set for Aug. 19 at St. Paul’s Union Depot

Friday evening event from 5 to 9:30pm will include
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and club owner Bill McGuire.

 

MN United FC will make an announcement at 7 ET/6 CT & you can watch right here:
http://soc.cr/Kg24303odEt