ST. PAUL, Minn. – Kelvin Yeboah’s second-half goal propelled Minnesota United FC to a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday, marking a successful start to the franchise’s 10th season in Major League Soccer. But the opening-day win at Allianz Field wasn’t the only cause for celebration; the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University also saw a significant presence, highlighting their ongoing partnership with the team.
The collaboration between Minnesota United and CSB+SJU, as the schools are jointly known, is entering its third year. To commemorate the occasion, the first 10,000 fans entering Allianz Field on Saturday received a limited-edition knit hat co-branded with the logos of both the soccer club and the universities. Despite a chilly temperature hovering around 20 degrees, the hats proved popular, distributed at the gates by members of the Saint John’s University soccer team to a sold-out crowd comprised of employees, families, and friends of both institutions.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
The relationship between Minnesota United and CSB+SJU extends beyond promotional giveaways and discounted tickets. It’s a multifaceted connection built on shared values and a growing number of alumni involved with the club. Fans attending the match were also able to take advantage of specially discounted ticket prices as part of the ongoing partnership, making the game more accessible to the university communities. The presentation of colors was performed by the Fighting Saints Battalion, the ROTC program encompassing CSB, SJU, and St. Cloud State University, further showcasing the partnership’s reach.
“We’re incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Minnesota United,” said Sarah Forystek, associate director of marketing for CSB and SJU. “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.”
Alumni Presence Fuels the Connection
The ties between Minnesota United and the two central Minnesota universities run deep, extending into key leadership positions within the organization. Gretchen Korf, a 1998 graduate of the College of Saint Benedict, serves as executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief financial officer, having joined the club in 2022 after a tenure at United Health Group. On the revenue side, Bryant Pfeiffer, a 1994 Saint John’s University alumnus, has been instrumental in the club’s growth for over nine years, playing a key role in the development of Allianz Stadium and the team’s entry into Major League Soccer. He currently holds the position of executive vice president, chief revenue officer.
Beyond executive roles, several other alumni contribute to the club’s success. Joe Deignan, a 1995 SJU graduate and former basketball standout, is an investor in the team, as is Tom Vertin, a member of the Saint John’s class of 1968. Eric Thomes, another 1994 SJU graduate and former basketball player, serves as the chief commercial officer for Allianz Life Financial Services, the stadium’s naming rights partner.
Building Momentum for the Future
“Working with CSB and SJU has been a fantastic experience,” Pfeiffer stated. “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 spot it continue to grow and create greater visibility for CSB and SJU and the students throughout the Twin Cities.”
The success of the opening match, coupled with the recent signing of Colombian superstar James Rodríguez and the promotion of Cameron Knowles to head coach, has generated significant excitement around the Minnesota United franchise. The team’s next challenge comes this weekend with a road match against Nashville, followed by another away game against Vancouver. The club will be looking to build on their early success and continue to strengthen their ties with the local community, including the continued support of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
Minnesota United and CSB+SJU’s partnership demonstrates a commitment to fostering a strong relationship between higher education and professional sports, creating opportunities for students, alumni, and fans alike. The collaboration is expected to continue to evolve, providing new avenues for engagement and support in the years to come.
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