Supporting the world’s game and the world’s people

Like most weekends, soccer was played around the globe. It was played by teams made up of people from all over the world. Teams made up of people representing the best their homeland has to offer. No matter the team or country, soccer brings people together — sometimes for a short escape from everything else.

Over the weekend, there was distress both over a presidential executive order that limits who can enter the U.S. and how the order was being enforced. This also brought people together. Two local supporters groups, the Dark Clouds and the Citizens, issued statements in response.

Our mission compels us to speak up about the damage that is being done to our community:https://t.co/LRNJ107l68

— Dark Clouds ☁????️‍???? #DCMN (@MNDarkClouds) January 29, 2017

In light of recent shameful events, we will be donating 17% of sales in our store to the @ACLU for the rest of the season.

— The Citizens (@MPLScitizens) January 29, 2017

John Alvbåge official

On Saturday, Minnesota United officially welcomed Swedish keeper John Alvbåge to its team. More importantly, we now know how to say his name.

@andrew_wiebe @empiregass Minnesota's Swedish goalkeeper's last name (Alvbåge) is pronounced Ahlv-bow-guh.

— Johan Dykhoff (@JohanDykhoff34) January 27, 2017

Deep thoughts, roster edition

With the roster suddenly quite filled out, we can all sink deeply into our armchairs and dig in. While the roster still has a few spots open, we know they won’t be filled by a Designated Player. The soonest we might see the likes of such would be this summer.

While the club has been relatively modest in its spending on players, it made a splash with its record deal for Kevin Molino. A deal so rich that fans might wonder if it will be worth it.

Of course, there are other intriguing signings, such as Francisco Calvo and SuperDraft first pick Abu Danladi. There are now enough players to consider who might be in the starting lineup! Who would be your first XI?

News bits

• Ottawa Fury is poised for a significant player and coaching announcement today.
• The Pioneer Press’s Andy Greder had a great piece on Jeb Brovsky’s late-season injury and ongoing recovery.
• Our own Jeff Rueter reported that Steward Ceus will join fellow former Loon Greg Jordan in San Francisco to play for the Deltas.
• Former Loon defender Damion Lowe was called up to the Jamaican national team for the match against the US on Feb. 3.
• Neil Morris talked one-on-one with NASL commissioner Rishi Sehgal.
• Jimmy Maurer will return for another season with the New York Cosmos.
• Orlando City acquired goalie Josh Saunders from New York City FC.
• American Steven Lenhart has signed with fourth-tier Japanese team FC Imabari.
• Emerson Hyndman scored his first goal for Rangers vs. Motherwell.

---

FiftyFive.One is now on Patreon. Do you like the independent coverage of soccer news from Minnesota and beyond that FiftyFive.One offers? Please consider becoming a patron.