Minnesota United: The Loons of the North

Minnesota United FC: The Loons of the North

Minnesota United FC, affectionately known as “The Loons,” represents the northern frontier of Major League Soccer, bringing top-tier professional soccer to the Twin Cities and beyond. Officially announced as the 22nd MLS franchise in 2015 and beginning play in the 2017 season, Minnesota United built upon a rich regional soccer tradition rooted in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The club’s foundation symbolized not only the growth of soccer in the United States but also the sport’s expansion into markets traditionally dominated by American football, baseball, and hockey.

Before joining MLS, Minnesota had long enjoyed a soccer presence through lower-division clubs such as the Minnesota Kicks, Thunder, Stars, and United in the NASL. This continuity ensured that when MLS approved Minnesota for expansion, there was already an established soccer community ready to embrace the new team. With its signature loon emblem, a bird synonymous with the state’s natural beauty, Minnesota United FC immediately distinguished itself with a strong regional identity.

The team’s inaugural season in 2017 was challenging, as expansion clubs often struggle with roster depth and cohesion. Minnesota conceded a record number of goals early in its campaign, drawing national attention for defensive frailty. Yet the resilience of the club, combined with steady improvements year after year, shaped a story of progress. By 2019, the Loons reached the playoffs for the first time, marking a new chapter in the club’s history.

The team’s nickname, colors, and branding all celebrate Minnesota’s culture and landscape. The crest features a loon in flight across a blue stripe representing the Mississippi River, with a gray background nodding to Minnesota’s northern skies. “The Loons” quickly became one of the most recognizable and unique monikers in MLS, blending natural symbolism with sporting ambition.

Trivia: The loon, Minnesota’s state bird, is known for its haunting call and resilience in harsh northern climates—traits mirrored in the soccer team’s identity and fighting spirit.

Minnesota United: Rivalries

Rivalries are the heartbeat of any soccer club, and Minnesota United FC has cultivated several within Major League Soccer despite being a relatively young franchise. The most significant is with Sporting Kansas City, often referred to as the “Nicest Rivalry in Sports.” Though playful in tone, the matches are fiercely competitive, fueled by geographic proximity and frequent Western Conference encounters. The rivalry has seen both teams battle for playoff spots and regional bragging rights, with fans embracing the friendly yet spirited competition.

Another major rivalry exists with Chicago Fire FC, a contest that plays upon Midwestern pride. Though the two teams are in different conferences, meetings between Minnesota and Chicago resonate due to the shared regional identity and the long-standing sports rivalry between the Twin Cities and Chicago across multiple professional leagues. Fans see it as a clash between two major Midwest cities, making every encounter meaningful.

Minnesota also nurtures an emerging rivalry with Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers. These clashes represent the Loons’ determination to measure themselves against two of MLS’s most successful franchises. Playoff battles, U.S. Open Cup ties, and heated regular-season games have intensified these encounters, especially as Minnesota has grown into a competitive force.

Trivia: Minnesota United’s fanbase often chants, “Wonderwall” by Oasis after victories, creating one of MLS’s most unique post-match traditions. The rivalry wins, particularly against Kansas City, make the song echo even louder in Allianz Field.

Minnesota United: Ownership

Minnesota United FC is owned by a consortium led by Bill McGuire, a physician and former UnitedHealth Group CEO, who spearheaded the club’s successful bid to join MLS. McGuire’s leadership, combined with local investors such as the Pohlad family (owners of MLB’s Minnesota Twins), Glen Taylor (owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves), and Wendy Carlson Nelson (heir to the Carlson travel empire), ensured that the team had strong financial and community backing from the beginning.

This broad-based ownership reflects a commitment to embedding the club in Minnesota’s sports and cultural fabric. By involving prominent local figures, Minnesota United created stability and avoided the pitfalls of disconnected ownership that sometimes plague expansion clubs. The group’s vision centered on sustainability, community involvement, and the creation of a world-class soccer-specific stadium that would serve as both a competitive advantage and a cultural landmark.

Trivia: Bill McGuire was instrumental in saving Minnesota soccer during the transitional years after the NASL era, ensuring continuity and ultimately leading the successful push for MLS expansion.

Watch Minnesota United

The jewel of Minnesota United’s identity is Allianz Field, located in St. Paul. Opened in April 2019, the 19,400-seat soccer-specific stadium quickly earned acclaim as one of the finest in North America. Its iconic design, featuring an illuminated PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) exterior that can change colors, makes it a visual landmark in the Twin Cities.

Allianz Field was designed to emphasize intimacy and fan experience. The steep stands and close proximity to the pitch create an electric atmosphere, with no seat more than 125 feet from the action. The south end is home to the Wonderwall, where the most passionate supporters gather to sing, chant, and wave flags throughout matches. The stadium’s amenities, from locally sourced food vendors to premium seating, reflect Minnesota’s culture and hospitality.

Beyond aesthetics, Allianz Field represents the club’s permanence and ambition. Built without public funding, it demonstrates the ownership’s commitment to the team and community. The stadium has also hosted international matches, friendlies, and women’s soccer events, further cementing its place in the broader soccer landscape.

Trivia: Allianz Field’s design incorporates sustainability features, including stormwater management and energy-efficient lighting, aligning with Minnesota’s reputation for environmental consciousness.

Minnesota United: This Season

The 2025 season sees Minnesota United entering a crucial phase in its MLS journey. The club has firmly established itself as a playoff contender, balancing a mix of seasoned veterans with promising young talent. Head coach Eric Ramsay, known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on player development, has instilled a clear identity focused on disciplined defense, creative midfield play, and quick counterattacks.

Key players this season include Emanuel Reynoso, the Argentine playmaker whose vision and creativity drive the Loons’ attack, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, the South African forward providing pace and flair on the wings. Veterans in defense and midfield add experience, ensuring the team can grind out results in tightly contested matches. Minnesota’s reliance on international scouting has continued to pay dividends, as players from South America and Africa have bolstered the squad’s competitiveness.

The Loons’ performances at Allianz Field remain central to their ambitions, with home support often serving as a “12th man.” The Wonderwall tradition continues to fuel the team, as victories at home are followed by the entire stadium singing together in celebration. Away matches, particularly against rivals like Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers, are seen as key tests of resilience.

Trivia: Minnesota United set a franchise record for points in a season in 2022, demonstrating steady growth from their challenging inaugural campaign in 2017.

Minnesota United: What to Follow

Several storylines define Minnesota United’s trajectory in 2025 and beyond. First and foremost is the ongoing evolution of Emanuel Reynoso’s role. As one of MLS’s premier playmakers, his influence on the team’s success is profound. Whether he stays long-term or moves on will shape Minnesota’s future squad-building strategy.

Second, the academy and player development system represent a vital area of growth. Minnesota United has invested heavily in youth infrastructure, aiming to produce homegrown stars who can represent the Loons on the field while strengthening ties to the local community. This will be essential in competing with larger-market clubs that can attract marquee international signings.

Third, the continued development of Allianz Field as a cultural and sporting hub is central to the club’s identity. Beyond hosting MLS matches, the stadium’s role as a gathering place for concerts, international friendlies, and community events ensures Minnesota United remains deeply rooted in its city.

Finally, the Loons’ competitive ambitions will be measured by playoff consistency and their ability to compete for trophies. Having reached the U.S. Open Cup Final in 2019 and made deep playoff runs, Minnesota United aims to solidify itself as a perennial contender for MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield honors.

Trivia: Minnesota United’s victory song, “Wonderwall,” originated when a group of fans sang it after a lower-league win years before MLS entry. The tradition stuck, becoming one of the most iconic supporter customs in American soccer.

Minnesota United: Legacy and Identity

Though still young compared to MLS’s founding clubs, Minnesota United FC has crafted a unique legacy in a short time. The club represents resilience, growth, and regional pride, embodying the idea that soccer can thrive anywhere in the United States when rooted in community and culture. From their difficult inaugural season to becoming playoff regulars, the Loons’ journey is a testament to perseverance.

The strong connection with fans—symbolized by the Wonderwall, Allianz Field, and the embrace of Minnesota’s identity—ensures that the club has become more than just a sports team. It is a cultural touchstone in the Twin Cities, bringing together diverse communities under one banner.

As MLS continues to expand and evolve, Minnesota United’s role as a steady, competitive, and culturally vibrant franchise positions it as one of the league’s most intriguing and promising clubs. Whether through iconic players, unique traditions, or ambitious ownership, the Loons’ story reflects both the challenges and triumphs of soccer’s growth in America.

Trivia: Minnesota United’s mascot, “PK the Loon,” is a fan favorite, embodying the quirky and welcoming personality of the club while engaging with younger supporters on matchdays.