Minnesota United: A timeline of top-tier soccer in Minnesota

Minnesota United's move to Major League Soccer puts a Twin Cities soccer franchise in the top tier of North American soccer for the first time since the 1980s.

1976: Minnesota Kicks begin in the North American Soccer League, sometimes drawing 40,000 fans or more at Met Stadium. Franchise folded in '81.

1984: Fort Lauderdale Strikers relocate to Minnesota, play one NASL season in the Metrodome, three seasons indoors at Met Center.

1990: Minnesota soccer guru Buzz Lagos helps found the Minnesota Thunder; team played at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

1996: Major League Soccer begins play with 10 teams, none in Minnesota.

2009: Minnesota Thunder is dismantled.

2010: NSC Minnesota Stars, owned and operated by the National Sports Center, play one season.

2012: Stars lose in the Soccer Bowl championship, amid signs the team would fold for lack of a private owner stepping forward.

2013: Former United HealthGroup chief executive Bill McGuire buys the team, which is renamed Minnesota United.

March 2015: Team is awarded an MLS franchise, announces plans to build a new stadium.