The Dark Clouds section at the National Sports Center (Photo: Jeremy Olson)

The Dark Clouds section at the National Sports Center (Photo: Jeremy Olson)

The Dark Clouds are overjoyed to see media reports which confirm that the team we support will be playing in the Major League Soccer in 2017. We’ve supported professional soccer in this state since 2004 and seen this team through numerous changes in name, logo, management and players. We embrace the motto “By Any Name, In Any League.” Wherever the Loons go, Dark Clouds follow. Next year we’re excited to sing for our Loons at TCF Bank Stadium when they play the country’s best soccer teams.

Since the initial MLS announcement in 2015, we’ve seen significant growth in our membership and interest in professional soccer in Minnesota. This growth has enabled us to throw a better party at every home game and to make an even bigger difference in our community through our Silver Lining service events.

As the Loons begin to play at a stadium that is accessible by bike and light rail in the Twin Cities, we anticipate even more growth in our membership.  We eagerly await the added creativity, rambunctiousness, and volunteer effort in the community that all the new Dark Clouds will bring when the Loons begin to play at TCF Bank stadium.

Dark Clouds founding member Neal Logan: “As a boy I used to ride my bicycle to the Minnesota Kicks ticket office. Today it makes me so happy to see our local club and its long and storied history be recognized by the highest level of soccer in the United States.”

Dark Clouds President Jim Oliver: “Every announcement that MLS is coming just gets us more excited to hear that first whistle. We’re having a blast supporting the team now, and we’re stoked to bring that party to the highest level.”

Dark Clouds Board Member: Abraham Opoti: “I’m looking forward to seeing thousands of black and blue clad Dark Clouds in the supporters section at TCF Bank Stadium and feeling their passion at full throat in support of our club. I eagerly anticipate starting off our first MLS match day with a march to the match the likes of which we haven’t seen at our present home. We’ll add to it with the establishment of many other new gameday traditions that come with moving to a stadium in the city.”

For more information, please email Jake Rueter at info@dark-clouds.com.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Jeremy Olson

About the Dark Clouds

Formed in 2004, the Dark Clouds are Minnesota’s largest independent soccer supporters group. The Dark Clouds have followed Minnesota pro soccer teams through thick and thin from the Minnesota Thunder, to the NSC Minnesota Stars, to the Minnesota Stars FC, to Minnesota United FC. Wherever Minnesota United go, “the Dark Clouds Follow.” During home games we can be found in the Southeast corner of the National Sports Center standing and singing for 90 minutes while displaying our flags and tifo displays. Our service arm, Silver Lining, sets up volunteer events locally with the Sanneh Foundation, Second Harvest Heartland, and Free Bikes 4 Kidz among others. Find out more at dark-clouds.com, Twitter @MNDarkClouds, and Facebook.com/MNDarkClouds.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dark Clouds is to support professional soccer, serve and build communities, and create a welcoming, inclusive culture around the sport in Minnesota.

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