MINNESOTA STARS FC REBRANDS AS MINNESOTA UNITED FC
MINNEAPOLIS (March 5, 2013) – Minnesota’s professional soccer franchise has been rebranded as Minnesota United FC. Formerly known as the Minnesota Stars FC, the team has taken a new identity under the ownership of Minnesota business leader and philanthropist, Dr. Bill McGuire.
The announcement and unveiling were made today before a large and
enthusiastic crowd at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. North American
Soccer League (NASL) commissioner Bill Peterson, Minnesota United officials
and community leaders including Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul
Mayor Chris Coleman, joined McGuire for the announcement.
The Minnesota United FC name is a tribute to the team’s vision and a three-
decade long legacy of soccer in Minnesota. McGuire sees the team as a
community asset around which many different groups – from ethnic communities
to soccer organizations – across Minnesota can unite in fandom. Close
coordination with these groups will occur moving forward.
The focal point of the new team logo is a strong depiction of a bird, which will
adorn the team uniforms and merchandise. Variations of the new team logo and
uniforms can be downloaded from http://bit.ly/MNUnitedFiles.
“Soccer is a global game,” said McGuire. “We live in a diverse and world-class
community that should be part of the fabric of the ‘Beautiful Game.’ Soccer is
also the fastest-growing sport in the country. Minnesota United FC will ensure
that Minnesotans have a successful local professional team they can easily
access and support.”
Proud History, Bright Future
McGuire, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group from 1991-2006, bought the Minnesota
Stars in January 2013 after a long search by the NASL for local ownership. The
team had just come off a near repeat of its 2011 NASL championship. He has appointed a new team president, Nick Rogers, and retained the Minnesota Stars coaching and support staff, including head coach Manny Lagos and front office executive Djorn Buchholz.
To support being a perennial championship contender, the team has signed
the previous two NASL most valuable players, Pablo Campos and Etienne
Barbara. Minnesota United FC has also signed a handful of other new players to
complement a strong returning core that positions the team for another title run in
2013.
“Our investment in signing new players and extending our relationships with
players who have been integral to the franchise’s recent success is a clear
indication that we mean business on the soccer pitch,” said McGuire. “We
intend to give Minnesota United FC fans the competitive product, and the game
experience, they are seeking and deserve.”
Minnesota United kicks off the 2013 season against the rival San Antonio
Scorpions at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis on April 6 at 7
p.m. It is the first of five matches at the venue with the other nine home games
slated for the 8,500-seat National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minn. Tickets
are available at www.mnunitedfc.com.
About Minnesota United FC
Minnesota United FC is the only professional soccer team in Minnesota and
plays in the eight-team North American Soccer League (NASL). Under head
coach Manny Lagos, the franchise won the 2011 NASL title and finished
second in 2012 under its former name, the Minnesota Stars. More information
about the team is available at www.mnunitedfc.com, on Facebook or Twitter
