Kevin Venegas
- Years with club: 2012–2017 (NASL & MLS)
- Position: Defender (Right-Back / Right Midfielder)
- Nationality: American
- Acquisition: Signed with Minnesota Stars FC (predecessor to MNUFC) on April 3, 2012
Kevin Venegas is one of the most recognizable and longest-serving players from Minnesota United FC’s transition era. He spent five seasons with the club in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he evolved from a midfielder into a highly effective, attack-minded right-back, and was one of the first two players signed to the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) roster.
Key stats with Minnesota United (NASL & MLS):
- Total club appearances (all competitions): 121 (NASL: 113, MLS: 8)
- Goals (all competitions): 7
- Assists (all competitions): 17 (A former club record)
- NASL Best XI: Named to the 2015 NASL Best XI.
- NASL Soccer Bowl Champion: 2012 (with Minnesota Stars FC, where he was named the NASL Play Of The Year).
- MLS transition signing: Signed on December 1, 2016, alongside Justin Davis, as one of the club’s first MLS players.
Memorable moments:
- NASL legend: Venegas was a consistent star in the NASL, noted for his incredible footwork, speed, and box-to-box play. He held the club record for career assists for several years.
- U.S. Open Cup hero: Scored a key goal in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup, the opening strike in a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.
- MLS debut: Made his MLS debut with Minnesota United in the club’s first season in 2017, making eight appearances that year before his contract option was declined.
Where is he now?:
- After leaving Minnesota United following the 2017 MLS season, Venegas continued his career in the lower divisions of American soccer.
- He played for Indy Eleven (USL Championship) in 2018 and Detroit City FC (NISA) from 2020 to 2021.
- Kevin Venegas retired from professional soccer on December 1, 2021.
- He is currently active in the soccer community in California and is involved in youth development and coaching.
