Sports

Pro soccer in Minnesota: a timeline

March 3, 2017 at 7:17AM
Young crowds flocked to Minnesota Kicks soccer games at Met Stadium in the '70s, such as this match against the Cosmos in August of 1978.
Young crowds flocked to Minnesota Kicks soccer games at Met Stadium in the '70s, such as this match against the Cosmos in August of 1978. (Brian Wicker — Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

• 1976: Denver Dynamos franchise moves to the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Kicks join the North American Soccer League.

Minnesota kicks fans ORG XMIT: MIN2016050821502752
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

• 1981: Though successful (104-70 record and six playoff appearances), the Kicks franchise folds.

• 1984: Fort Lauderdale Strikers become Minnesota Strikers for five seasons.

• 1995: After four seasons as an amateur team, the Minnesota Thunder joins the United States Interregional Soccer League.

• 1999: Buzz Lagos leads the Thunder to the USL A-League title.

Three years ago Thunder coach Buzz Lagos talked of building all-Minnesota team and advancing to MLS within three years. Now, Thunder is still playing in A League, and having trouble winning. And the roster is dotted with foreigners. -- Minnesota Thunder coach Buzz Lagos at midfield with the team�s new mascot, �Thor� who happens to be the Norse God of, yes, Thunder.
(Brian Stensaas — STAR TRIBUNE/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

• 2009: Despite moderate success, the Thunder folds because of financial issues.

• 2010: National Sports Center Foundation forms the NSC Minnesota Stars, which plays in a lesser-known D-2 Pro League.

• 2011: The new NASL takes ownership of the franchise, now known as the Minnesota Stars, and the team wins the inaugural title.

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Minnesota Stars players celebrate winning the NASL Championship Series Finals against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel/MCT)
(Brian Stensaas — MCT - MCT/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

• 2012: Bill McGuire buys the Stars and later changes the team's name to Minnesota United FC.

• 2015: MLS announces Minnesota as its 22nd franchise.

• 2017: United set to make its MLS regular-season debut Friday in Portland.

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