Even Steven
Minnesota United remains undefeated in preseason. The team also remains winless. For more, read our recap of the 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake Wednesday night.
This year’s showing in the Portland tournament is much improved over last year: three draws compared to being outscored 11:1 in three losses. The Loons will wrap up their preseason in Orlando, where they will draw Toronto FC on Feb. 22 and San Antonio FC on Feb. 26.
Penning more deals
Off the pitch, United was busy Wednesday with more signings and trades. After lots of rumors and a premature addition to the gameday roster, midfielder Josh Gatt (rhymes with cat) finally became official.
???????? Here We Go ????????#MNUFC signs #USMNT winger @JoshuaGatt.
Press Release » https://t.co/53zSfHIlRz pic.twitter.com/OgzLdUbiaZ
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 15, 2017
Also headed to Minnesota is keeper Bobby Shuttleworth from the New England Revolution. He comes by way of a trade for forward Femi Hollinger-Janzen, whom the Loons picked up in the December Expansion Draft.
United is now fourth in the Allocation Ranking Order after trading its top spot to the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Caps needed the spot to nab Fredy Montero, so handed Minnesota $100,000 General Allocation Money in 2018 and $125,000 Targeted Allocation Money in 2018. If you’re wondering when MLS clubs can trade future Allocation Money, we’ve got answers.
Dark Clouds Supporters Summit
Mark your calendars for the annual Dark Clouds Supporters Summit. All are welcome.
Kick off the season with our annual #SupportersSummit.
Hear what's new and what's in the works for 2017:https://t.co/ndep8TNqeL pic.twitter.com/SDPfNNnqKx
— Dark Clouds ☁????️???? #DCMN (@MNDarkClouds) February 15, 2017
Fashion week
No, not the star-studded week of runway events in New York, we’re talking new kits! Of course there is the much-anticipated (and hugely leaked) unveiling of the United look on Friday, but other teams are showing off, too. Notably, the United States came through with a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Thought Valentine's was over? It's never too late for a surprise.
Introducing U.S. Soccer dressed #RedToToe.Specs: https://t.co/6rWERVHhRa pic.twitter.com/zNA5uVzmWZ
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) February 15, 2017
Unattached writers
There is some interesting writing coming out of Unattached FC. Former Loon Jeb Brovsky has a piece in Howler on MLS player investment and how it affects retaining domestic soccer talent. And Bob Bradley writes about being an American Coach in the Players’ Tribune.
News bits
- Interesting concept: the Philadelphia Union is seeking a Chief Tattoo Officer.
- Atlanta United has reportedly surpassed 40,000 in ticket sales for its home opener.
- A flock of Loons is forming in San Francisco. Danny Cruz joins them with his signing for the Deltas.
- Carli Lloyd is off to England to play with the Manchester City Women.
- Minnesota United appear to be the only MLS team without a USL affiliate (even LAFC is in the mix).
- A long-term study on the brains of former soccer players raises concerns of dementia.
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