Loon Landings: MNUFC sign 2021 SuperDraft picks

Saturday, Minnesota United officially signed both of their 2021 MLS SuperDraft picks ahead of the start of the 2021 Major League Soccer season. Both Justin McMaster and Nabilai Kibunguchy have been signed to a one year contract by the club each with three year options.

“Great attitude, good ability and a lot of potential. We spoke to the two of them and it’s just the beginning for them now,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “They’ve mixed straight away with the first team players, they’re both confident in their own ability, they’ve not been on the back foot. We think there’s a lot of growth there. They’ve got to start bringing it every day now, it’s not a three month season like it is in college. Expectations are higher, expectations from us, every single day are going to be higher than they’ve been used to. But we like them and it’s a great opportunity for them.”

Justin McMaster comes to MNUFC from Wake Forest University where he made 58 appearances across his four seasons with the Demon Deacons.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to sign professional and with Minnesota, I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” Justin McMaster said.

Nabilai Kibunguchy comes to the Loons from UC Davis where he spent four seasons with the Aggies making 52 appearances for the squad.

“The feeling of all my hard work the last 23 years of life, it paid off and I was just excited. That moment was like nothing other,” said defender Nabilai Kibunguchy. “I called my parents right away. They are in Kenya and came down for the draft but it was good to call them and finally tell them I finally got signed.”

On Monday the club also announced a partnership with the Minneapolis BMW Dealer Group as an “Official Partner” and BMW as the “Official Luxury Vehicle” of the club. BMW will now also have the exclusive naming rights to Allianz Field’s Field Club area. Lastly BMW will be the presenting sponsor for the 2021 Season Kick-Off event.

“We are thrilled to have a found another local partner in Minneapolis BMW. They are a perfect premium brand for the naming rights of our BMW Field Club space,” said MNUFC CEO Chris Wright. “This is yet another globally-recognized brand joining our family of partners at Allianz Field.”

Lastly MNUFC also loaned out Young DP Thomás Chacón to Uruguayan Primera División side Liverpool Fútbol Club.

Minnesota United FC opens the season on Friday, April 16th with an away match against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. Stay tuned to E Pluribus Loonum for all your 2021 MNUFC and Major League Soccer needs.