Image: Minnesota United
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Happy Friday! This week’s finale of the Loons Daily newsletter takes a break from the first-team, much like the first-team have a break of their own this weekend.
Instead, we’ll focus on the MNUFC Academy. While we’re still, somehow, waiting for MNUFC2’s MLS Next Pro schedule just a few weeks from the start of the season, we do know a handful of teams the U19 team will compete against this summer.
Announced Thursday, Minnesota United’s U19s will be taking on a handful of local semi-professional and amateur sides in this summer’s inaugural Minnesota Super Cup. The “World Cup-style” tournament is designed to bring the state’s best lower league teams together for ultimate statewide bragging rights.
USL League Two’s Minneapolis City and St. Croix, Duluth FC and Med City FC from the NPSL North, and Vlora FC of the UPSL are the other five teams in the first edition of what hopes to become an annual competition.
“The Minnesota Super Cup will be a good experience for young players,” said newly appointed Loons U19 coach Fanendo Adi. “Competing against some older players in this tournament will challenge our kids in different and positive ways, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
The Super Cup takes place this summer with more details to come as the tournament draws closer.
The U19s kick off their MLS Next season March 11th at Midwest United. See their full 2023 schedule here.