The number 14 means a lot to Brian Kallman.

The Woodbury defender wore those digits on the back of his first soccer jersey as a kid, again as a member of Minnesota’s pro soccer teams from 2010 until he retired in 2015. It signifies the date of his mother Laura’s birthday, and the day he and his wife, Jay, started dating.

Now, his younger brother Brent will wear No. 14 on his Minnesota United jersey during the club’s debut in Major League Soccer starting March 3 at Portland, Ore. Related Articles Minnesota United acquires striker Kei Kamara in trade with Colorado

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Brent Kallman signed a contract with United a few days before preseason camp started Jan. 23, and his customary No. 6 had been gobbled up by new teammate Vadim Demidov. So, Loons equipment manager Ryan Natusch suggested Brian’s old number, and Brent gave his big bro a phone call for consent.

“I didn’t hesitate; I said it would be so awesome,” said Brian, who played with the Minnesota Thunder, Stars and United from 2006-15. “I was happy to see my name and my number would be on an MLS jersey. I think the fact that he and Ryan thought about it, he was really interested in doing it. It was humbling and made me happy.”

United coach Adrian Heath has repeatedly mentioned Brent Kallman’s standout play during preseason matches, which continue Wednesday with a exhibition against Toronto FC in Florida. Kallman is making the jump with the Loons from the North American Soccer League to MLS and is penciled in as a backup to central defensive pair Demidov and Francisco Calvo.

When the Loons make their home debut against fellow expansion franchise Atlanta United at TCF Bank Stadium on March 12, Brian Kallman will be in the stands.

Brian Kallman, who is celebrating the year anniversary of his soccer training business, Futebol Form & Fitness, purchased three season tickets for Jay and 3-year-old son Kingsley. They plan to bring along 6-month-old son Espen to the opener.

“He will tag along with us and sit on our lap, as well — just to say you were at the first ever MLS game in Minnesota,” Brian Kallman said.

It will be a special date for all the Kallmans.

THIESSON MADE OFFICIAL

United announced Tuesday the signing of Swiss defender Jerome Thiesson.

Sporting Director Manny Lagos and coach Adrian Heath praised Thiesson’s ability to play on both right back and left back positions as well as his experience of more than 300 games in the Swiss Super League.

“He’s incredibly versatile with two great feet and can play left back and right back,” Health said in a statement. “He’s an important piece for us in an area we feel as though we’ve been a little bit short in terms of numbers.”

PLAYING TIME

United had draws against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake from Feb. 9-15. Here are the playing-time breakdowns for Loons players across those games (among 270 total minutes).

Goalies: John Alvbage 180 minutes, Patrick McLain 90.

Defenders: Vadim Demidov 161, Francisco Calvo 161, Justin Davis 161, Jermaine Taylor 134, Brent Kallman 110, Joe Greenspan 110, Thomas De Villardi 110, Kevin Venegas 92, Alvin Jones 45.

Midfielders/forwards: Kevin Molino 206, Rasmus Schuller 158, Ibson 137, Johan Venegas 135, Collen Warner 134, Bashkim Kadrii 129, Christian Ramirez 128, Miguel Ibarra 116, Collin Martin 110, Mohammed Saeid 98, Ish Jome 90, Abu Danladi 71, Eugene Starikov 68, Tanner Thompson 26, Raul Gonzalez 20.

United has yet to play winger Josh Gatt or goalie Bobby Shuttleworth, who are both recent additions to the roster, or Bernardo Anor.