News in Brief: Allianz Field to Host USMNT Gold Cup Opener, MNUFC Say Goodbye to TFC Bank Stadium, and More

Minnesota United to host USMNT in 2019 Gold Cup opener

Allianz Field will host the USMNT’s opening game of the 2019 Gold Cup on June 18th. The United States are the seeded team headlining Group D, with the other three opponents to be decided in the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League, a one-off qualifying campaign for the 2019 regional championship. The 2019 Gold Cup will be the first iteration of the expanded format, which will see 16 teams compete for the title.

MNUFC’s final match at TFC Bank Stadium on national TV

Later this month, on Sunday, October 24, the Loons will play their last match at TFC Bank Stadium before moving into Allianz Field next season. That last match – the #50kToMidway – against the Los Angeles Galaxy, is scheduled for national broadcast on ESPN.

Free-play exposure to soccer leads to success for St. Louis Park player

Soccer used to bore Zinedine Kroeten, who would rather pick dandelions than play the game. Close to a decade later, the St. Louis Park standout is leading his club to a successful season. The success doesn’t stop with the team, as his individual talents will be on display during a two-week trial with German Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen from November 4-17.

San Jose Earthquakes hire new coach

As a dismal 2018 MLS campaign draws to a close for the non-playoff teams, attention turns (or already has turned) to the future. For the San Jose Earthquakes that future has a new guiding light in the form of new coach Matías Almeyda, who will take the reigns at the beginning of the 2019 season. Almeyda held previous coaching positions in his native Argentina, and is joining the Earthquakes from his most recent position at Mexican club C. D. Guadalajara.

News bits

Colombia defeats USMNT 4-2 in international friendly action

USWNT trounces Trinidad and Tobago to move one victory away from qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

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