Minnesota United FC listened when some of its most loyal fans criticized some of the team’s strategies for growth.

After attendance increases in 2013 and 2014, the North American Soccer League club wanted to increase revenue by adding seatbacks and raising seat prices in the east bleachers at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

That move would displace the Dark Clouds, the club’s hundred-strong supporters group that chants, uncorks smoke bombs, waves flags and watches matches from some of the stadium’s best seats.

Because of the criticism, the United consulted with Dark Clouds members and met with season-ticket holders last month to discuss the proposed changes.

The United suggested the Dark Clouds move to behind the south goal, but Dark Clouds members were “pretty upset” at that idea, said member Jim Crist said.

In the end, the Dark Clouds members voted, and the United compromised. The supporters group will remain on the east bleachers but on the southern edge.

“We didn’t want to roll it out in a press release and say you are moving now,” team president Nick Rodgers said. “They are a big part of the experience, and we wanted their input.”

In 2004, Crist was on the ground floor when the Dark Clouds were established to support the Minnesota Thunder, a pro soccer predecessor of the United.

Soccer clubs around the world typically have a unique, somewhat formal “supporters group,” and members often stand — like a student section for college sports — behind a goal.

The Dark Clouds’ midfield location on the sideline was “pretty good for a long time,” Crist said.

Sean Sittnick, the United’s director of ticket sales, said the good times continue to roll, compared to other soccer clubs. Sittnick, who previously worked with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo, said the United are much more inclusive.

“(The Dynamo) do a lot of conversations with the supporters groups, but never, while I was there, did they let them be as big of a part of the vision as we did in this case,” Sittnick said.

Crist, a Minnesota Twins season-ticket holder from 2010-12, said the United are unlike Major League Baseball teams.

“I never really saw that sort of dialogue between the (teams and fans),” Crist said. “Most soccer clubs, NASL or MLS, have made it a point. They realize that the supporters group is the lifeblood of the fans and the team. Having that open dialogue will have much more positive outcomes.”

Follow Andy Greder at twitter.com/andygreder.