Minnesota United plays home opener at TCF Bank Stadium

Last Sunday Feb. 12, Minnesota United played the coldest game in Major League Soccer (MLS) history for its home opener in TCF Bank Stadium.

Ian Yunis, senior, regularly attends MN United games and was at the home opener.

“Despite the result and the bad weather, it was fun to be in such a big crowd for a soccer game here in Minn.,” Yunis said.

At kick off, the temperature was 19 degrees fahrenheit. Making it the coldest games on record in MLS history. The Loons ended up losing 6-1 to Atlanta United FC.

This is the first year that MN United is a part of the MLS.

“I expect they should be constantly improving,” Yunis said. “I wouldn’t expect a winning team for another few years.”

Yunis hopes that MN United will finish at least in the lower mid table.

According to the MLS, 35,403 fans packed the TCF Bank Stadium for the first home game of the season. This was the largest crowd for a soccer match played in Minn. since 1984 when the Minnesota Strikers defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies in front of a crowd of 52,621 fans.

On Mar. 25, 2015, MN United was awarded a spot in the MLS beginning in 2017.

“I was excited when I heard MN United was joining the MLS,” Yunis said. “I knew it meant a big boom for soccer in Minn., which is great. Not only for MN United but it will also grow the youth game.”

MN United’s next home game will be played April 1 in the TCF Bank Stadium.

“I can’t wait for more games,” Yunis said. “It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.”