The Seattle Sounders have a new Western Conference opponent.
Major League Soccer announced on Friday that expansion team Minnesota United FC will join the league in 2017 and play in the Western Conference with the Sounders, and keep its team and name and logo.
The current NASL side will temporarily play at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the site of University of Minnesota football. The club has a soccer-specific stadium planned to be built in St. Paul.
“We have made great strides in the months since MLS expansion plans were announced,” majority owner Dr. Bill McGuire in a statement provided by the team. “[We] 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.”
MNUFC will join Atlanta United in 2017 and will boost the league’s total to 22 teams. Atlanta will compete in the Eastern Conference.
“This opportunity will bring incredible revitalization to the heart of the Twin Cities - made possible by the catalyst of this proposed stadium and extensive community input,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “We are so excited to have Major League Soccer here in Minnesota, and to bring the world’s game to Saint Paul and entire region.”
