Tariq Panja in the New York Times brings us the story of kids who dream of playing pro soccer despite being released from England.

Beau Dure informs us that Sunil Gulati tried to coordinate the USL and NASL in late 2016

Tony Sanneh is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the US Adult Soccer Association.

When Minnesota United travels, Andy Greder tells us, it’s not like the other sports teams in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Steven Goff says goodbye to RFK stadium in the Washington Post.

Sergino Dest has shown for the U.S. in the U-17 World Cup. The youth player plies his trade at Ajax, writes Brian Sciaretta.

MLS set attendance records this year:

MLS for first time averaged better than 22,000 fans per game for entire season (22,016). Atlanta set single-season record average at 48,200

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) October 23, 2017

 

McKenna Buisman was named Ms. Soccer 2017:

HUGE congrats to @kennabuisman_5 on winning https://t.co/Xi9sj8TXf6!!!!!! Hard work pays off!! ????#welldeserved #scarlets pic.twitter.com/CUn5Cq75BO

— MWHS Girls Soccer (@thedflock) October 22, 2017

What a run and finish by Christophe Koffi…

GOAL OF THE YEAR: @jean_liljerk9 wins the game for @UVAMenSoccer with an incredible run and finish #SCTop10 @SportsCenter #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/WehRwZi7Xc

— VirginiaSportsTV (@VaSportsTV) October 21, 2017

One fan carved a Bobby Shuttleworth pumpkin…

In a little town in Massachusetts lives a boy that loves: doing kind things for others, soccer, and @bobby.shuttleworth and all he really wanted was a Bobby carved pumpkin. Thatcher your heart and kindness deserve that. Thatcher is going to be surprised with this beautiful pumpkin that was kindly carved for him with love later today. Fair to say he is Bobby’s biggest fan. #mnufc @mnufc @mndarkclouds #kindnessmatters #love yes that is a ??

A post shared by Reasha Kling (@meash2179) on Oct 21, 2017 at 6:00am PDT

 

MLS weekend roundup

Houston defeated Chicago 3-0, ensuring home-field advantage in the first round.

Seattle clinched a first-round bye with a 3-0 win over Colorado.

San Jose won its way into the post-season with a 93rd-minute goal to defeat Minnesota United. The goal also helped United set the record for most goals-against in a season.

Portland sealed its Western Conference title with a 2-1 win over Vancouver.

Despite a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City, Real Salt Lake was denied post-season entry by other league results.

Despite a 5-1 walloping of LA, FC Dallas are out of the post-season due to San Jose’s win.

In a meaningless match for both clubs, Philadelphia put Orlando to the sword in a 6-1 thrashing.

NYCFC drew 2-2 with Columbus when David Villa saw his stoppage time PK saved.

Kelyn Rowe’s stoppage-time goal gave New England its first away win of the 2017 season in a 3-2 victory over Montreal.

D.C. United’s final match at RFK Stadium resulted in a 2-1 loss to New York Red Bulls.

Atlanta drew 2-2 with Toronto when Sebastian Giovinco’s free kick gave Toronto the single-season points record at 69.

---

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.

Tags: Minnesota United FC, MLS, NASL, Tony Sanneh, USL