World Cup Expected to Boost Soccer’s Popularity in Minnesota

Soccer has grown steadily across Minnesota over the past decade, and local coaches say this year’s World Cup in North America could spark even more interest in the sport. Roy Snyder, director of coaching and player development for the Sartell Soccer Association, says the excitement reminds him of the 1994 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in the U.S. He says that event helped fuel soccer’s popularity and paved the way for Major League Soccer. Team USA continues its World Cup run Monday night, taking on Belgium in the Round of 16 at 7 p.m.