Loons in the news
Minnesota United announced they have signed defender and Cameroon international Bertrand Owundi Eko’o from Rainbow FC in Cameroon. The 24-year-old Owundi only recently signed with Rainbow FC after previously playing in Cameroon with Les Astres FC. Coach Adrian Heath stated he sees the signings of Owundi and Pangpop as “an opportunity to bring in two young pieces for not a lot of financial output that we think have got huge upside.”
In looking forward to the 2018 MLS season opening in a matter of weeks, coach Adrian Heath spoke this week about how the team looked back at last year’s poor start and in how the team has grown since. Technical director Manny Lagos also indicated that the team is looking to add a few more players in the coming weeks, looking to add at forward and defense.
MNUFC announced a partnership with The Greater Twin Cities Honda Dealers Association (GTCHDA) this week. Future marketing campaigns are expected to include forward Christian Ramirez and midfielder Ethan Finlay.
Allianz Field will also be exempt from noise limitations for MNUFC matches, as the St. Paul City Council voted in favor of the noise violation exemption request. The exemption for the stadium site does not apply to concerts or fireworks.
New video renderings of Allianz Field were released this week, promoting premium seating options.
News across the U.S.
Major League Soccer’s streaming service MLS Live will be shut down. In an agreement made with Disney, games will now be streamed on ESPN+ expected to launch later this spring past the MLS season opener on March 3.
The U.S. men’s national team announced two new summer friendlies ahead of the World Cup. The USMNT will play Paraguay in North Carolina on March 27 and Ireland in Dublin on June 2.
News bits
- Minnesota United will play its first of three friendlies this Saturday in the Carolina Challenge Cup.
- Former MNUFC player Aaron Pitchkolan announced his retirement and plans to join Jacksonville Armada FC’s technical staff.
- Defender and Minnesota native Kassey Kallman has announced she will not play for the Washington Spirit in 2018.
- Jack Cummins, co-founder of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISL), has passed away.
- Jeb Brovsky’s Generation Footy Podcast is now available on iTunes.
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