The locals are taking a shine to new United head coach Adrian Heath. Phrases like winning personality and entertaining pepper the profiles written in the wake of the announcement of his appointment. With a reputation of being well-liked by fans, he’s already making in-roads with United supporters:
Here we go, my first #MNUFC Tifo! #AdrainHeath pic.twitter.com/Gls1UafKfj
— Michael Deneen (@This_Is_Mike_D) December 3, 2016
As Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press says, United has its coach, now it’s time to build a roster…
Though FiftyFive.One reported it nearly a month earlier, Kevin Venegas and Justin Davis were officially announced as the first MLS signings for the Loons.
.@MNUFC sign Justin (@DouginDavis) Davis, Kevin (@viva__22) Venegas as first MLS players: https://t.co/PssPAXuWEl pic.twitter.com/PMmQ1d8Gy8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 2, 2016
With the Expansion Draft, SuperDraft, and Re-Entry Draft on the horizon, more names will be added to the roster soon. In the meantime, is Sammy Ndjock’s “to be continued…” tag on his highlight reel a hint? And how’re the contract negotiations coming along, Christian?
Great things come with patience ????
— Christian Ramirez (@Chris_Ramirez17) December 2, 2016
As if a new coach and two player signings weren’t enough, United kept talking — risking injury to their public relations staff who leapt in without warm up — and announced that they had somehow been invited back to Portland’s preseason tournament.
Pack your rain jackets & mark your calendars. We’re heading to Portland…
Info » https://t.co/NIKLHxvfza pic.twitter.com/GU2MrhmFM4
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) December 1, 2016
If you head over to midway to the site of the future Cloud City, you won’t see much. Things have been largely unchanged for some time, but a ground breakin’ is a comin’…
.@mayorcoleman says there will be groundbreaking on the @MNUFC within a "few weeks." First I've heard of that. Interesting.
— Wes (@MnNiceFC) December 1, 2016
The Vikings don’t want us to forget that they called dibs on MLS soccer at US Bank Stadium and have threatened a lawsuit over the possibility that United would hold an exhibition game (maybe more) at the Sandcrawler. In response, the team posted the following (sub)tweet:
Make no mistake, we will be playing at @TCFBankStadium in 2017. #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/E6EX6aI8Tb
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) December 2, 2016
The fate of the Cosmos is all but officially sealed with reports that they have ceased operations. The final spark of hope for Cosmos fans is that there have been negotiations with a New York group interested in purchasing the team. Despite being a world brand, the Cosmos were…extremely unprofitable.
Sources: since joining #NASL 2.0, the New York Cosmos have lost over $30 million.
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) December 2, 2016
In addition to a name change and rebrand for the RailHawks, North Carolina might also land a professional women’s team.
Finally, @RailHawksFC and @stephenmalik intention to bring @NWSL expansion club to Triangle. pic.twitter.com/odvBNhK8xx
— Neil Morris (@ByNeilMorris) December 2, 2016
Senior Simone Kolander was named a First Team Senior CLASS Award All-American. The award honors NCAA DI seniors with achievements in classroom, community, character, and competition.
Tags: Adrian Heath, Carolina RailHawks, Gopher Soccer, Justin Davis, Kevin Venegas, Minnesota United FC, New York Cosmos, NWSL, Simone Kolander
