Development academy launched
⚠️ I C Y M I ⚠️#MNUFC announces @MLS Development Academy Program
Read up » https://t.co/VHXy707suO pic.twitter.com/hqkv7NIQ8I
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 5, 2017
On Saturday, Minnesota United announced the launch of its development academy, and a partnership with the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). As Brian Quarstad reported for FiftyFive.One last month, United will open its academy with younger players (U-13 and U-14 age groups) this fall. From there, the club will expand the age groups upward each year. This is a slower approach than all but one other MLS club has employed. However, the United says its decision to take this direction was reached after careful evaluation of elite player development around the world.
Notable MLS comings and goings
There is still time for movement on MLS rosters in the fina weeks of the offseason. In fact, there were a couple surprises over the past few days. Philadelphia Union nabbed Fafa Picault on a Discovery signing.
Bolstering their attack, @PhilaUnion sign winger Fafa Picault. https://t.co/PoTuOLfI5y pic.twitter.com/NRYDfoY2Hu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 3, 2017
Meanwhile, the instantly-recognizable Nat Borchers is retiring.
Defender @natborchers announces retirement: https://t.co/8sEzwYFQAk #RCTID #ThankYouNat pic.twitter.com/ZjurzSX57f
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) February 3, 2017
2017 PRO roster announced
Referees may get more of our ire than anyone else. However, they put in a lot of hard work to make the game as fair as possible. While the coming season is still unmarred by any officiating mistakes, let’s give warm greetings to the brave men and women at the Professional Referee Organization.
????// Say "hello."
The 2017 #PRO roster has been confirmed >> https://t.co/jVbdMoZMGk. pic.twitter.com/of4f03dumE
— PRO (@PROreferees) February 3, 2017
News bits
- Keep your eyes open for the NASL schedule, as word is it will drop today.
- The president of Indy Eleven has some frank talk on the urgency of Indy’s MLS bid.
- Bob Williams would like to introduce you to Keith Bruce, the NASL executive transition consultant.
- The Gophers annual banquet honored 18 players named to the Academic All-Big Ten.
- The U.S. Soccer Development Academy announced 373 Development Academy players signed letters of commitment last week, including six from the Minnesota Thunder Academy.
- The Minnesota TwinStars announced open tryouts in February and March.
- Former Loon Damion Lowe was in the starting XI for Jamacia against the USMNT last week.
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.
Leave a Reply