In early 2016, Minnesota United unveiled the designs for its upcoming stadium, later named Allianz Field. As part of the team’s entrance into Major League Soccer, this new ground was the final major piece to securing its spot in the biggest league in the U.S. and Canada.



“We’re building what’s going to be the most beautiful stadium in the country,” MNUFC CEO Chris Wright told The Athletic in a recent interview. “It’s going to be the cathedral for soccer in the United States. I really believe that.”



Of course, a stadium is only as valuable as the club that fills it. As the team’s inaugural season wound down last year, Wright left his previous post as the Lynx and Wolves’ president to join the Loons’ front office. The honeymoon period didn’t last long. While Wright grew up in the game — playing goalkeeper and serving as a coach and executive in both England and the United States — he saw...