Minnesota United FC announced a new television partner, MY29 WFTC, to broadcast all home and away matches for the upcoming North American Soccer League season, including the postseason.

The announcement Friday comes during an eventful preseason for the club. United has been on two preseason tours, a tournament against Major League Soccer opponents in Portland and a training tour in Mexico. In late February, the team also unveiled designs for the privately financed stadium to be built in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood.

Minnesota will play 32 matches and begins its NASL season April 2 at Carolina. Select games throughout the season will feature a 30-minute pregame show.

"This soccer team has a very bright future and we are delighted to be their broadcast partner,'' Sheila Oliver, general manager of Fox 9/MY29, said in a statement. "This is a great addition to our slate of programming.''

Minnesota United broadcasts will once again feature play-by-play announcer Chris Lidholm, color commentator Alan Willey, and sideline reporter Eric Nordquist. Lidholm has been the voice of Minnesota soccer for more than 20 years.

Minnesota opens its home campaign on April 16 against Fort Lauderdale at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine.

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574