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MLS Ticker: Minnesota, MLS partner with Target; Galaxy sign midfielder, and more

munfc-target-sponsorship

Minnesota United have landed a major sponsor for their jersey, a sponsor who has also worked out a major deal with MLS.

The expansion team has revealed that major retail company Target will be the official jersey sponsor for their upcoming inaugural season. The deal will instantly be in the top ten largest sponsorship agreements in the league, as the team looks to recoup expansion and stadium costs. The jersey sponsor is a first for the club, as it has never had a logo on the front of its jerseys previously.

“We are proud to announce that Target, a great Minnesota-based company, will be Minnesota United’s first MLS kit sponsor,” said Minnesota United President Nick Rogers. “Target is making a major push into soccer in the U.S., at all levels, and the entire club is thrilled to have Target as a partner.”

Meanwhile, Target has also entered into a sponsorship agreement with MLS as a whole, with the deal completely separate from the Minnesota sponsorship.

Galaxy to add Portuguese midfielder Joao Pedro

The LA Galaxy aren’t done with what has been a busy offseason yet. Just a few days after announcing the signing of U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Jermaine Jones, the team appears set to announce another midfield acquisition.

The Galaxy announced Thursday that the club has signed Portuguese midfielder Joao Pedro, who joins the team on a €1 million transfer , according to the LA Times. The 23-year-old plays for Vitória de Guimarães in the Portuguese top flight, who currently sit in fifth place, where he has started every match this season.

“João is an extremely talented midfielder who has experience playing at a high-level in Portugal,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Peter Vagenas. “He is only 23 years old and has the best years of his career front of him. We identified him as a top target this offseason and we think he can immediately help strengthen our midfield. We look forward to welcoming João to Los Angeles as we continue to prepare for the upcoming season.”

D.C. United re-sign midfielder Jared Jeffrey

After the best statistical season of his career, D.C. United have announced the resigning of midfielder Jared Jeffrey.

The 26-year-old American totaled career highs in appearances, starts, minutes played, goals, and shots. The former Mainz 05 and Washington Huskies player appeared in 21 matches for DCU in 2016, scoring two goals and ranking third on the team in pass accuracy.

“Jared is coming off of his best season at our club. He proved that he can be an impact player in the central midfield through his work rate, tenacity and ability to connect passes,” Dave Kasper, DCU general manager and vice president of soccer operations, said. “We look forward to a strong 2017 and beyond from Jared.”

Portland Timbers add two more games to preseason slate

The Portland Timbers have upped the ante on their preseason schedule, adding an MLS and European opponent to their tune-ups.

The team announced the addition of the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center in California and Croatian first division team NK Istra 1961 in Tucson, Arizona to their lineup. The Galaxy match will close the preseason for the Timbers on Saturday, February 25th, while the match against NK Istra will take place on Tuesday, January 31st.

Comments

  1. Wow! Huge deal for Minnesota and MLS. Also,…kudos to LA for their signing an up-and-coming 23 year old. Red Bull’s,…where are you?

    Reply
  2. João Pedro Geraldino dos Santos Galvão
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj19wgoum2Q

    played for Brazil U-17
    2013–2014: Estoril Praia – 28 appearances 9 goals
    2014: Cagliari – 74 appearances, 20 goals

    I know the numbers don’t ALWAYS add up (It’s hit or miss with certain players) but the thought of this guy and Jermaine Jones in the midfield for the Galaxy is intriguing.
    6′ 0″ at 161 lbs??? Is he really a midfielder?? lol

    Reply

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