Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says expanding into Minnesota is “a big priority.”

Minnesota has been considered a frontrunner to receive a franchise, and two competing groups for that club received encouraging public comments from Garber on Saturday.

“The Midwest is a priority,” Garber told the Chicago Tribune. “Minneapolis is a big priority for us. We have two prospects that are hoping to join the league as soon as they can. … I’m hopeful we can resolve our lack of coverage in the Midwest with another team soon.”

Competing for the franchise are the Vikings and Minnesota United FC, the pro team playing in the second-tier North American Soccer League.

Officials with the Vikings and United met with Garber and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott in separate meetings in Minnesota in September, a source told the Pioneer Press.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor and Twins owner Jim Pohlad joined United owner Bill McGuire at the meeting, the source said.

MLS has stated its plans to expand its league roster of 19 teams to 24 by 2020. New York, Orlando and Atlanta have been awarded franchises to start play in the coming years. Miami could receive a franchise if it figures out where a stadium can be built.

Sacramento reportedly is in the mix for a franchise.. Sacramento Republic FC executives and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA player, met with Garber at the MLS offices Tuesday in New York, according to the Sacramento Bee.

The meeting “went well,” Republic FC founder Warren Smith told the Bee. “A lot of details about what we’re doing.”

Like United, Sacramento Republic plays in the lower levels of American soccer, in third-tier USL Pro.

Garber’s comments were in the context of establishing regional rivalries. MLS currently has Midwest teams in Chicago; Kansas City, Kan.; and Columbus, Ohio. In the Pacific Northwest and northern California, MLS is in Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and San Jose, Calif.

Follow Andy Greder at twitter.com/andygreder.