Kelvin Yeboah’s second-half goal carried the Minnesota United to a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati as the franchise opened its 10th MLS season Saturday (Feb. 28) afternoon at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
But the home team wasn’t the only winner. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University showed up and showed out as well.
The two schools are entering their third season as the United’s official higher education partner. To mark the occasion, the first 10,000 fans through the gates Saturday received a limited-edition 10th season knit hat featuring the logos of both the United and CSB+SJU.
With the temperature hovering around 20 degrees, the headgear – handed out at the gates to Allianz Field by members of the SJU soccer team – proved popular with the sellout crowd, many of whom were employees, family and friends of CSB and SJU.
Those fans were able to take advantage of specially discounted ticket prices as part of the ongoing partnership.
The colors were also presented by the Fighting Saints Battalion, the ROTC program at CSB, SJU and St. Cloud State University.
“We’re incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Minnesota United,” CSB and SJU associate director of marketing Sarah Forystek said. “What makes it especially meaningful is the way it brings our students and community right into the heart of the action. Seeing our student‑athletes at the gates, and thousands of fans in CSB+SJU hats throughout Allianz Field, was a powerful reminder of the strong connection between our institutions and this franchise.”
The United made headlines this offseason by signing Colombian superstar James Rodriguez and promoting Cameron Knowles to head coach. That’s only increased the buzz around a franchise that does indeed boast numerous strong ties to CSB and SJU.
Those ties include:
- Gretchen Korf, a 1998 CSB graduate who joined the organization in 2022 from United Health Group and is executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer.
- Bryant Pfeiffer, a 1994 SJU graduate, who has been with Minnesota United for more than nine years helping the club build Allianz Stadium and launch into Major League Soccer. He is now the team’s executive vice president, chief revenue officer.
- Joe Deignan, a 1995 SJU graduate and former All-MIAC and Academic All-American standout on the basketball court, who is one of the club’s investors.
- Tom Vertin, part of SJU’s class of 1968, who is also one of the team’s investors.
- Eric Thomes, a 1994 SJU graduate and another former basketball standout, who is the chief commercial officer for Allianz Life Financial Services, the team’s stadium partner.
“Working with CSB and SJU has been a fantastic experience,” Pfeiffer said. “This partnership is much more than a single night; it’s about building meaningful connections between the schools and the passionate MNUFC community. As an alumnus, I’m especially proud to see it continue to grow and create greater visibility for CSB and SJU and the students throughout the Twin Cities.
“We truly value this unique relationship and the momentum we’re building together. It’s a collaboration rooted in community and pride.”
