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NASL Minnesota United FC

United Signs Greg Jordan and Tyler Polak

April 4, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC has announced the signings of midfielder Greg Jordan and defender Tyler Polak, two young prospects who featured with the team on trial throughout the NASL (North American Soccer League) preseason.

"We are very excited about adding Greg and Tyler to the club," said United head coach Manny Lagos. "Both Greg and Tyler have been with us throughout the preseason and have convincingly demonstrated their talent in practices and games. We're delighted to have added them to our roster for this season."

Jordan joined the team during the offseason and featured in the team's preseason training trips to Los Angeles and England. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder was drafted by the Philadelphia Union in 2012, and went on loan with the Harrisburg City Islanders through both 2012 and 2013.

"I am grateful to Minnesota United for giving me the opportunity to continue my development as a professional," said Jordan. "The front office and players have been nothing but welcoming. There is a lot of talent here and we have been putting the work in all preseason. I am excited to get to the fun part and look forward to being able to represent the club on the field."

"We were very aware of the outstanding career Greg had in college," said Lagos. "He was a leader and the captain at Creighton University. We followed his time in Philadelphia and we feel strongly that this is a great fit."

Polak joined the team- and his brother, striker Nate Polak- in March and traveled with the team to England. The 21-year-old defender was drafted by the New England Revolution in 2012 and loaned to the Rochester Rhinos for the 2013 season.

"I am very excited to join Minnesota United FC," said Polak. "I had the chance to be with the club for the last few weeks, including a preseason trip in England, and knew that this was an ideal environment for me to develop under Coach Lagos and the rest of the staff. I look forward to playing in front of the Dark Clouds and represent the club and state of Minnesota, as the club looks to reach new heights in the NASL and US Open Cup,"

"We needed more strength at left back," said Lagos. "We feel that Tyler is a young standout player and will contribute to the depth at the position. Tyler is unique to our club in that we also have his brother [Tyler] on the roster as well."

Minnesota United has two sets of brothers on the 2014 roster, Nate and Tyler Polak and Brian and Brent Kallman.

Both Jordan and Polak have even more in common, besides being selected in the same draft class and being loaned to USL PRO. Both are also Creighton graduates, and played together previously for the Bluejays' 2010 and 2011 seasons. In that final year, the team made the College Cup, losing in the national finals to UNC Charlotte.

With the signing of Mendes, Minnesota's current 2014 roster consists of the following 24 players:

Goalkeepers: Matt VanOekel and Mitch Hildebrandt

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Cristiano Dias, Brent Kallman, Brian Kallman, Aaron Pitchkolan, Tyler Polak, and Kevin Venegas

Midfielders: Omar Daley, Floyd Franks, Mozzi Gyorio, Miguel Ibarra, Greg Jordan, Michael Reed, Kentaro Takada, Juliano Vicentini, and Jamie Watson

Forwards: Simone Bracalello, Pablo Campos, Daniel Mendes, Nate Polak, Christian Ramirez

Minnesota United opens the 2014 NASL season April 12th against the San Antonio Scorpions. Fans can watch all 2014 games live online through the NASL streaming service, NASLLive. Head to www.NASLLive.com for more information. Join Minnesota United for the home opener April 26th at National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. Tickets are on sale now. For more information call 763.4SOCCER or head to www.MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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