Soccer is more than a game…it’s leadership, culture, and business. In this episode, we’re joined by Manny Lagos, a Minnesota soccer legend whose career has taken him from professional player to head coach of Minnesota United FC and now to Chief Development Officer for the club.

Manny shares insights from his journey through the sport and what it takes to lead both on the field and inside a professional sports organization. We talk about the current Minnesota United season, how teams manage pressure and setbacks, and the growing impact of global stars like James Rodríguez on the modern game.

We also explore the rapid rise of soccer fandom in the U.S., the role of social media in building a global fan base, and how the 2026 FIFA World Cup could accelerate the sport’s growth even further.

1:07 Manny dives in with childhood memories of soccer games with the former Minnesota Kicks

5:40 Manny was a fan of international soccer stars, to Olympian to professional soccer player, to coaching to club executive

7:45 Talking The Loons fan base – they are dedicated and full of passion for the team and game

8:45 The history of Minnesota United FC, celebrating 10 years and 50 years of professional strikers

11:00 How Wonderwall went from a private team experience to encompassing the entire fanbase

17:00 How every MN United FC staff member holds the same values (they are amazing)

21:45 Looking forward to The World Cup

23:40 The symbolism behind the Loon in the Minnesota United FC logo design

Visit: https://www.mnufc.com/

Guests: Manny Lagos, Chief Development Officer at Minnesota United FC

Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 143: From Pitch to Front Office: Manny Lagos from the Minnesota United FC