According to a report out of the twin cities, Minnesota United FC are in talks to sign an affiliate agreement for 2019 with the new USL team coming to Madison, Wisconsin.
Both the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Andy Greder and Pro Soccer USA's Kyle Eliason reported on Thursday that Minnesota United are in talks with the expansion team in Madison, which will begin play in the newly-minted USL Division One (third-tier) league next year.
According to the reports, discussions are in an advanced state, although they aren't yet complete. The geographical proximity of the two teams (about 260 miles) where they will each be the only full professional men's teams in their respective states, apparently made the deal especially attractive.
Both reports also indicate that beyond 2019, Minnesota United may opt to create a USL team of their own, either in the USL League One level or USL Championship (second-tier) level.
The new Madison club announced on Thursday Daryl Shore will be their first head coach and technical director. Shore has previously worked as an assistant coach at the Chicago Fire and most recently Real Salt Lake, and previously served as head coach of the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.
