Minnesota may be known as the hockey state, but the beautiful game is alive and well within its borders. Whether you’re kicking around at your local park or sitting in the stands at Allianz Field, you can catch a glimpse of the talent our state has to offer with little more than a glance. Minnesota United—in partnership with Allina Health—is proud to shine a light on the people that are proving what the North Star State has to offer to the sport of soccer, whether that’s on the field, the sideline, or anywhere else.
Going Pro
Going Pro
Right here at MNUFC, we’ve got some of the brightest rising stars the state has to offer. Homegrown signings Devin Padelford (Maplewood, MN) and Fred Emmings (Saint Paul, MN) were born and raised here, while fellow Homegrown Patrick Weah (Maple Grove, MN) moved to Minnesota with his family as a child. All three young men are products of Minnesota soccer and the first names on what will be a growing list of Minnesotans to make an impact on our club.
Along with our Homegrown signings, four more local lads currently don the Black and Blue. Caden Clark (Medina, MN) features frequently for the first team, while Rory O’Driscoll (Minneapolis, MN), Kage Romanshyn Jr. (Apple Valley, MN), and Loïc Mesanvi (Lakeville, MN) are all key pieces of the MNUFC2 roster. Their journeys may differ, but one thing is certain: they’re Loons through and through.
Spotlights
Spotlights
Without quality coaches, officials, and organizations operating in the soccer sphere, the full, transformative potential of this sport can’t be realized. Luckily, there are special people moving the game forward with their hard work and passion throughout our community. Below are just a few of those names:
Referee Spotlight: Jason Goodrie
Jason Goodrie is a grassroots certified referee who has served the area for seven years. During that time, he’s become a steady force in the youth soccer scene, refereeing games nearly every night of the week for several years. He’s been in charge of more than 880 games, from U9 to U19 and everything in between. His attitude, care, professionalism, and desire to be a leading role model have made a lasting impression on the Twin Cities’ soccer community.
Coach Spotlight: Kari Ornes, Prior Lake Soccer Club Coach & Executive Director
Kari has been a team coach for Prior Lake Soccer Club’s 2008 Girls for the past several years, leading the team to multiple first-place league finishes and, most recently, a 2023 Minnesota Cup championship that qualified her team to compete with the country’s best at the US Club Soccer National Cup Finals. Kari has been a part of TCSL’s Reps program as well as US Club Soccer’s id2 program as a coach and evaluator, helping lead the next generation of players and the future of women’s soccer. Under her leadership as Executive Director, Prior Lake Soccer Club has thrived, putting an emphasis on coach education, sportsmanship, good citizenship, and the development of players as individuals. PLSC continues to lead by offering mental health and sports training seminars to both their own club and the Minnesota soccer community at large.
Organization Spotlight: Futsal Society
Led by Caleb Crossley, Futsal Society has been committed to providing a free soccer alternative to the community since their humble beginnings in 2016. Though much of their work has centered around the beautiful game, they recognize the impact that they can have beyond the pitch. Just last year, they launched Fawkes Alley Coffee to raise funds for their free soccer programming, employing participants as baristas and offering career and personal mentorship opportunities to kids from diverse backgrounds.
Know someone who’s making a real difference in the soccer community? Nominate deserving community members via the form below.
