Minnesota United FC news

Matthew Doyle took a look at Minnesota United FC’s 2017 season, including the dismal start and subsequent improvement. Ultimately, the Loons don’t need a designated player to succeed in attack, Doyle says, but the team does need to sort itself out at the back end.

In the meantime, Minnesota United FC also made official the new primary kit for the 2018 season.

This is our new uniform for the season, we are going to do our best for @MNUFC

Este es nuestro nuevo uniforme,vamos con todo en la nueva temporada @futbolMLS #fc5 pic.twitter.com/XepnUfqXrj

— Francisco Calvo (@calvo05oficial) February 12, 2018

Jake Swallen signs letter of intent to play for Wake Forest

Mounds View midfielder Jake Swallen, son of former Minnesota Thunder goalkeeper John Swallen has signed a letter of intent to play for Division 1 Wake Forest next fall.

Jake Swallen has played for Minnesota Thunder Academy and is one of the states top prospects this year.

His father John spent 12 years playing for the Thunder and was named to the teams Hall of Fame in 2002. Swallen was named the USL First Division A-League MVP and goalkeeper of the year in 1999 after the Thunder won the national championship with the senior Swallen between the pipes.

Emma Bangert, Clare Schooley, Elle Conlin, and Sara Wendt also of Mounds View, will also be playing college soccer next season. Bangert will play for the University of North Dakota, Schooley for the University of Northern Iowa, Conlin for Boston University, and Wendt for Bemidji State.

News bits

• Former Minnesota Thunder player and San Antonio Scorpions coach Alen Marcina will now be coaching the Des Moines Menace
• Former Loon Justin Davis has signed for Nashville SC
• Former Loon Danny Cruz has retired from playing and joined the coaching staff of the Real Monarchs, the USL affiliate of Real Salt Lake

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