Monday night was a special one for the sixteen members of the Minnesota United Unified Team who signed their contracts at Allianz Field. A participant in the Unified Team program since joining MLS, Minnesota United has worked with Special Olympics to bring together student athletes both with and without disabilities to play home and away games during the first team’s season. First team players Ethan Finlay, Jan Gregus, Michael Boxall, Abu Danladi, Rasmus Schuller, Hassani Dotson, Carter Manley, Wyatt Omsberg, Eric Miller, Chase Gasper and Dayne St. Clair were in attendance along with Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright, Sporting Director Manny Lagos and broadcasters Kyndra de St. Aubin and Jamie Watson for the event.
The members mirrored the movements of the first team on a gameday. After parking in the players’ lot and heading into Allianz Field, the members walked into the locker room with the flash of the MNUFC team photographer capturing their arrival on the big day. The first thing they saw was each of their lockers set up with a nameplate reading their name and number above a full set of Minnesota United team gear. The members had a full kit with a customized jersey, training jersey and Allianz Field jacket waiting for them.
Once in uniform, the members rotated through three stations, two of which reflected what the first team does before the preseason each year. The members all took headshots and stood in front of the green screen to capture assets the club will use for the Unified games played against the Colorado Rapids in June and August.
The third station was where pen was put to paper. Each member sat down on stage in the press conference room with Minnesota United Sporting Director Manny Lagos, shook his hand and signed their contract. The crowd roared, the cameras flashed and the members were official.
When all the contracts were signed, the new Loons were ready to be introduced to the fans in the stands. The Unified Team prepared for the procession with the first team in the locker room, kicking around the soccer ball and exchanging high-fives and getting advice. When it was time to walk out, the Unified Team walked through the Field Club and onto the blue carpet lined with the first team, sporting staff and broadcasters. Each member of the team was announced and gave a wave to the family members, supporters and MNUFC front office staff in the stands.
Full Roster
GK/M/F – Sam Cashin, #8
D/GK – Tim Sorensen, #7
D/GK – Jeff Garness, #19
D – Tasha Feigh, #10
D – Jordan Larson, #15
M/D – Michael Rosenberg, #13
M – Megan Moffatt, #25
M – Jake Krier, #20
M/F – Anthony Bengston, #8
F – Katey Nelson, #14
F – Taryn Krier, #22
F – Elise Toepel, #11
F – Tristan Rankin, #6
F/M – Tyler Sarff, #9
F/D – Derek Dally, #4
F/D – Alex Steffl, #3
