It struck me that I ought to explain a little bit about why we cheer for the teams we do. Well, in part, it’s because I thought we ought to, and I’m the one of us most capable of complex thought and logic. But also, each team has a special something that captures part of what I love about life, and part of what makes you who you are.

So periodically (like during international breaks, long summer holidays, or say, global pandemics that completely alter everything we understand about our lives and ourselves), I want to introduce you to the teams we are tied to.

Our sixth team to meet: Minnesota United FC in St. Paul (your home town). A team that captures better than any other how community supports sports like sports supports a community

Wherefore Minnesota United?

This one is pretty easy. You know that big silver structure we go past on the way to grandma and grandpa’s? That’s Minnesota United.

You know those black and blue shirts and scarves and hats your dad and mom wear and share with you? That’s Minnesota United.

You know the chants I teach you? The walks in summer sun to hear drums, to Shout “Go Loons”? to Eat pizza, and donuts, and curry? That’s Minnesota United.

The first five teams tie to part of our family’s past. The next five all relate to our community’s future. Minnesota United is our present, our here and now, our neighbors, our local team.

Who is Minnesota United?

There has been professional soccer in Minnesota since 1976. The names, colors, owners, stadia, and leagues have changed a lot in that time. But the fans have kept it going throughout.

This particular side dates back to 2009 when one fore-bearer, Minnesota Thunder, ceased operating. by the grace of a new minor league a team was kept alive. Not just alive but thriving. The NSC Stars won one title and finished second for another before a new owner stepped up and made the team Minnesota United, complete with the red eyed “Deathloon” crest.

Every part of our local soccer history is a story of, as Tom Stoppard might say “insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster”. Luckily enough it all works out well in the end because of one simple thing.

How are we Minnesota United?

We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.

Soccer teams in America rise and fall like the stock market. The highs are thrilling and rewarding. The lows often include a sense of overwhelming despair and (often) abandonment.

We love the Loons, but they could have gone the same way as the Baltimore Bays, Tampa Bay Mutiny, or San Francisco Deltas. There’s only one thing that makes Minnesota United one of our teams rather than a wistful footnote of what might have been: a community that pushed on while the teams faltered.

As valuable as a team is, it’s nothing next to the community that unites behind the team. Lots of teams have supporters and fans, but that can’t replace a lack of financial support. Lots of teams can find a backer, but that doesn’t mean much if you alienate fans. It takes a whole club–players, coaches, owners, and fans–to make it work. And that’s what makes Minnesota United our team, we are part of the community that built and sustains it.

One of the team’s legends goes that when the money was tight and the future was unsure some players started singing “Wonderwall” by Oasis to celebrate wins. Then the players sang it to the fans in gratitude for loyalty throughout the season. Then the fans sang it back. Then the new owner felt inspired to join the team. And Minnesota United went from being “the team no one wanted” to being a team saved by everyone around it.

“Maybe you’re going to be the one who saves me

Cause after all

You’re my wonder wall”

Oasis

https://youtu.be/R9nzMZ1YMaA