Couple More Names Join the Roster

The preseason has started for the inaugural MLS season and the team is slowly taking shape. Yesterday, it was reported that Minnesotan Brent Kallman and Brazilian Ibson will be making the transition to the MLS. Today, a couple names are officially joining Minnesota United.

Venezuelan player Bernardo Añor - who was on loan with MNUFC this past season - will be returning to the Twin Cities. Añor joined MNUFC from Sporting Kansas City. Añor studied at the University of South Florida and was drafted 48th overall by the Columbus Crew in 2011 where he appeared 71 times.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The team also announced that they have inked Jermaine Taylor to a contract. Jermaine brings a ton of MLS experience. Taylor joined the Houston Dynamo in 2011 and appeared over 100 times for the club, starting most. He then joined the Portland Timbers after being selected in the 2015 Re-entry Draft. He appeared 13 times in 2016 for the Timbers, and looks to be a solid option for MNUFC moving forward.

Preseason Report

It appears that some familiar names are joining the Loons for training as well.

Laing and Ndjock would not be surprising to see lining up for the Loons next season. Thiago Calvano was a name that surprised me. The 35-year-old centerback could be on trial for some backline depth. (I also would not be surprised to see him joining the team in a leadership capacity.)

Lance Laing does play fullback for the Jamaican National Team and played the position for FC Edmonton until the 2014 season. I don’t recall a time when he played it for a prolonged period for MNUFC. (Please, correct me if I am wrong.) The midfield is quickly getting crowded for the 2017 season, but the Loons could use the defensive depth.

And Sammy is a goalkeeper. We all know my feelings on the goalkeeping situation for MNUFC. Alec Ferrell is now on the roster, but he will be a rookie. Sammy can add depth, and a fun goalkeeping competition to watch.