Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright to step down after season ends

Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright will step down after this season and a replacement will be named within the next month, the team announced on Monday.

A former English professional and semi-pro soccer player and coach, Wright was hired in the fall of the Loons' inaugural 2017 season after he worked more than two decades in the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves' front offices. Before that, he was a general manager for Major Indoor Soccer League's Minnesota Strikers and Pittsburgh Spirit.

In a team statement, Loons managing partner Dr. Bill McGuire said Wright was hired with a three- to four-year timeline intended to establish the club's foundation and address many challenges in a highly competitive Twin Cities sports market.

"They have been successfully met," McGuire said.

In that statement. Wright called the last four years an "amazing period" in a career that, he noted, he started with soccer and ended "helping build a club that I love, in a community that I love."

Wright also oversaw the opening of Allianz Field in 2019 and the building of a player roster that reached last season's Western Conference final in Seattle.

In his own social-media statement, Wright said, "I believe the future trajectory for this club is incredibly positive, with a growth spurt coming that can make MNUFC an even better and bigger club."

Wright, 72, could be available to consult or help on special projects after he leaves his CEO job

Weah to Spain

Loons homegrown prospect and rookie Patrick Weah is bound for Spain for two weeks' trial with La Liga's Real Betis, the club said.

Weah will train with the first team and work with coaches there. Loons coach Adrian Heath has said his club needs to get Weah some game action and work.

He played nine minutes in a May 2 home loss to Austin FC.