A major soccer match featuring the U.S. men's national team reportedly is headed to St. Paul next June at Allianz Field, the new home of Minnesota United.

SI.com reported Monday that the U.S. will play its Gold Cup opener June 18, 2019 at Allianz. An opponent hasn't been named yet but United has a news conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Among those expected to attended are Gov. Mark Dayton, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and CONCACAF executive Jurgen Mainka.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is an international tournament featuring teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The 2019 tournament, per SI, is expected to be highly competitive, with participating countries "sending their best possible teams."

The match in St. Paul will be the first major U.S. men's match since it fell disappointingly short of reaching this summer's World Cup.

Perhaps just as significantly, the Gold Cup match could be a test run of sorts. SI notes that Allianz could become the home of the U.S. vs. Mexico World Cup qualifying match held every four years.

MICHAEL RAND

Etc.

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