Woodbury-native and Minnesota United product Brent Kallman is returning to Minnesota United in 2017 as part of the club’s inaugural roster in Major League Soccer. The local defender first joined MNUFC in 2013 and has spent his entire professional career with the hometown club.

“I’m ecstatic to move with Minnesota United to Major League Soccer as the club makes the jump,” Kallman said. “It’s a special opportunity to continue my professional career with the club where it all started.”

The 26-year-old was a mainstay in Minnesota’s defense last season, using his speed and strength to take down attackers. His height is a huge asset on both ends of the pitch, clearing lofted balls out of MNUFC’s penalty area and nodding home crosses into the opponent’s net. Never backing down, Kallman frequently made incisive runs through the midfield and deep into enemy territory, part of a lethal Minnesota United attack in 2016.

Prior to joining Minnesota United, Kallman played four seasons at Creighton University, leading the Blue Jays to back-to-back College Cup appearances. His first season with MNUFC, he saw limited playing time, playing in just one match. His upside in the professional game was clear, as he proved his value as a dual-threat player in 2015, scoring his first professional goal late in the season.

Kallman played nearly every match for Minnesota in 2016, working with fellow defenders Justin Davis and Kevin Venegas on the backline. His fearless defending has proven pivotal on more than one occasion, regularly throwing his body in front of shots to deny a scoring chance. With his signing, Kallman becomes the first Minnesotan to join the Loons in MLS.

Minnesota United kicks off its inaugural season March 3 in Portland, and will play its first MLS home match on March 12 and TCF Bank Stadium. Be part of a historic first season by becoming a season ticket holder today. MNUFC season ticket holders receive numerous benefits including early access for tickets to friendlies, exclusive discounts, unprecedented access to players, and priority for seats in the new stadium at Midway. Visit MNUFC.COM or call 763.4SOCCER today.

TRANSACTION: Minnesota United has signed defender Brent Kallman to Major League Soccer roster.

VITALS

Brent Kallman

Position: Defender

Born: 10/4/90

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 190 lbs.

Last Club: Minnesota United FC

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Birthplace: Omaha, NE

Citizenship: USA

Twitter: @BMKhaviturway