Minnesota United offseason news
Amidst a flurry of trades and rumored signings across MLS, Minnesota United’s offseason moves continue quietly. The Loons announced this week that they’ve brought on a new goalkeeper coach John Pascarella. Other than filling an open position on the coaching staff, MNUFC has reached an agreement with Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa, sending midfielder Johan Venegas to his home country on a year-long loan.
???? Presentación de Alexander Robinson y Johan Venegas ¡Bienvenidos! pic.twitter.com/fVHlXgg7ma
— Deportivo Saprissa ???? (@SaprissaOficial) December 21, 2017
Other than Venegas’s departure, rumors surfaced today that Minnesota United has joined the list of teams interested in New York Red Bull’s midfielder Sacha Kljestan and has made an offer for the playmaker.
MLS comes to Nashville
MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced at the Country Music Hall of Fame that Nashville would receive the first of four available MLS expansion teams. The investment group in Nashville will include Minnesota Vikings owners Mark, Zygi, and Leonard Wilf. The Wilfs, who will have a minority share in the team, have remained optimistic on the U.S. soccer market despite losing out the franchise previously awarded to Dr. Bill McGuire and his ownership group.
MLS announced in a statement today that more time will be taken to decide between the remaining three finalists of Cincinnati, Detroit, and Sacramento. An announcement for a second MLS expansion franchise is expected after the new year.
Major League Soccer's statement regarding expansion: pic.twitter.com/SW8lASUeri
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 21, 2017
News bits
- University of St. Thomas’s Shae Bottum has been named DIII National Player of the Year.
- Lance Laing, former Minnesota United player from the NASL days, has signed with USL side FC Cincinnati.
- MLS announced the initial list of 60 NCAA Division I college players invited to the 2018 MLS adidas Player Combine to be held in Orlando from January 11-17.
- Three players were selected during Stage two of the MLS Re-Entry Draft by New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, and 2018 expansion side LAFC.
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