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Minnesota United to join MLS in 2017, keep name and logo

Reuters

Welcome to Major League Soccer, Minnesota. A little earlier than initially planned, but without alteration this time.

MLS announced Friday that Minnesota United FC will enter the league in 2017, and, more importantly to supporters of the NASL franchise, will be retaining both its name and (spectacular) logo.

Commissioner Don Garber and Dr. Bill McGuire, majority owner of the club, made the announcement Friday in St. Paul, putting to rest any concerns the league would attempt to re-brand the side upon its leap from NASL to MLS.

"We are proud to officially announce that Minnesota United FC will join Major League Soccer in 2017," Garber said.

"The ownership group's commitment to soccer and the community, the area's growing millennial population and the region's rich tradition of supporting soccer at all levels are key indicators that this will be a very successful MLS market."

(Courtesy: Sports Illustrated)


McGuire, for his part, remains confident the club is prepared to enter the league next season; Minnesota was originally scheduled to make the jump into MLS in 2018.

"We have made great strides in the months since MLS expansion plans were announced," said McGuire, "and look forward to making the jump to Major League Soccer. This next step is an endorsement of our great state, people, and values, and we look forward to jointly building this team as an important piece of our community."

The club is hoping to have a new privately funded, 21,500-seat stadium built in St. Paul for the 2018 season; it was confirmed Friday that the team will use the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium for its inaugural campaign while it awaits construction on the aforementioned facility.

Minnesota will be joined in 2017 by Atlanta United, as MLS expands to 22 clubs.

There was some concern in 2015 - when Minnesota was initially awarded an expansion franchise - that bringing a pair of new sides with the "United" moniker into the league together would be peculiar, but those fears were obviously quelled in the buildup to Friday's announcement.

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