Minnesota Adds Former Player Andrei Gotsmanov

Minnesota United announced Thursday the signing of midfielder Andrei Gotsmanov. A native of Minsk, Belarus, Gotsmanov has been training with the team since the beginning of the season and previously played for the club from 2010 to 2011.

“It feels great to be back with the team,” Gotsmanov said. “I’m ready to push forward, get stronger, and do what I can to help the team make a push for the playoffs.”

The 29-year-old played four seasons with the Creighton Bluejays before being drafted 24th overall in the 2009 MLS Superdraft by the New England Revolution. Later that year, he signed with the Minnesota Thunder. Despite only making only one appearance for the Thunder, Gotsmanov stayed in Minnesota to join the newly formed NSC Minnesota Stars. He was a regular in the lineup through 2010 and was a key part of the 2011 NASL Championship team, scoring a crucial goal in the semifinals.

Andrei has several ties to Minnesota beyond previously playing for the team. His father Sergey, a legendary player for the Soviet Union national team and four-time Belarus Footballer of the Year, and brother Sasha have both played for the Minnesota Thunder in their careers.

During his two years with the Stars, Gotsmanov has scored three goals and had six assists in 44 appearances. He will be looking to add more to his tally, as he travels with the team to Ottawa for this weekend’s match against Fury FC.