Topps has released the list of 2017 MLS trading cards. That’s right. You can relive that childhood obsession and collect and trade cards to your heart’s content. However, the list contains very few Minnesota United players, and the ones that are included are strange choices to say the least.
Minnesota United’s debut into the world of trading cards includes their second signing in MLS history, Justin Davis, while Kevin Venegas (who was the first signing, Davis says, because he had easier access to a fax machine) was not included.
The set checklist also lists club-record signing Kevin Molino as having a regular card, as well as a “Back of the Net” card that recognizes his goal-scoring in 2016.
According to Topps, “We have a few big MLS fans on staff that are a part of our MLS brand team. They pick some of the best players in the league, rising stars, new players, and rookies. They get a good assortment of players from throughout the league. The checklists for products are needed months in advance, so the Topps team picks players for the checklist based on the information they have at the time.”
Topps has been making MLS cards since 2013. The 2017 player cards set was released this week, and later this summer, Topps also plans to issue a MLS Stadium club set that “focuses on dynamic imagery.”
Topps creates multiple MLS products throughout the year, so players that may not be in the initial product can appear in other MLS products down the line. Minnesota United’s first win was featured in the Topps Now MLS program, which features top moment’s from each week’s games.
The set includes Mohammed Saeid as a Loon, though he recently signed for the Colorado Rapids. Other players included for Minnesota United are: Joseph Greenspan, Collen Warner, and Abu Danladi. MNUFC goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth is in the set with the New England Revolution.
Curiously not included in the Topps set are two of the most prominent faces of Minnesota United: leading goal-scorer Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra.
Minnesota’s own Jackson Yueill made the set as a rookie with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Leave a Reply