CSB And SJU Kick Off Third Season As Official Higher Education Partner Of Minnesota United

Kelvin Yeboah’s second-half aim carried the Minnesota United to a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati as the franchise opened its tenth MLS season Saturday (Feb. 28) afternoon at Allianz Field in St. Paul.

But the house workforce wasn’t the one winner. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University confirmed up and confirmed out as effectively.

The two colleges are getting into their third season as the United’s official higher education partner. To mark the event, the primary 10,000 followers by the gates Saturday obtained a limited-edition tenth season knit hat that includes the logos of each the United and CSB+SJU.

With the temperature hovering round 20 levels, the headgear – handed out on the gates to Allianz Field by members of the SJU soccer workforce – proved common with the sellout crowd, many of whom have been staff, household and mates of CSB and SJU.

Those followers have been capable of take benefit of specifically discounted ticket costs as half of the continuing partnership.

The colours have been additionally introduced 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 affiliate director of advertising and marketing Sarah Forystek stated. “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 famous person James Rodriguez and selling Cameron Knowles to move coach. That’s solely elevated the excitement round a franchise that does certainly boast quite a few sturdy ties to CSB and SJU.

Those ties embrace:

Gretchen Korf, a 1998 CSB graduate who joined the group in 2022 from United Health Group and is govt vice chairman, chief administrative officer and chief monetary officer.
Bryant Pfeiffer, a 1994 SJU graduate, who has been with Minnesota United for greater than 9 years serving to the membership construct Allianz Stadium and launch into Major League Soccer. He is now the workforce’s govt vice chairman, chief income officer.
Joe Deignan, a 1995 SJU graduate and former All-MIAC and Academic All-American standout on the basketball court docket, who’s one of the membership’s buyers.
Tom Vertin, half of SJU’s class of 1968, who can also be one of the workforce’s buyers.
Eric Thomes, a 1994 SJU graduate and one other former basketball standout, who’s the chief industrial officer for Allianz Life Financial Services, the workforce’s stadium partner.

“Working with CSB and SJU has been a fantastic experience,” Pfeiffer stated. “This partnership is far more than a single evening; it is about constructing significant connections between the colleges and the passionate MNUFC group. As an alumni, I’m particularly proud to see it proceed to develop and create higher visibility for CSB and SJU and the scholars all through 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.”