- Years with Minnesota United: 2017–2018
- Position: Midfielder (central midfield / defensive midfield)
- Nationality: American
- Acquisition: Acquired by Minnesota United FC via trade from the Colorado Rapids on March 31, 2017.
Sam Cronin was a veteran MLS holding midfielder who joined Minnesota United in their inaugural MLS season, providing an immediate and stabilizing presence in the center of the pitch. He was a second overall MLS SuperDraft pick with experience from Toronto FC, San Jose Earthquakes, and the Colorado Rapids. His career in Minnesota was unfortunately curtailed by a severe injury.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MNUFC):
- MLS regular season appearances: 18 (all starts)
- MLS regular season assists: 1
- Immediate impact: Started all 18 games he played in 2017 until his season was ended early due to injury.
- Departure: Minnesota bought out the remainder of his contract on March 1, 2019, following his injury struggles.
Memorable moments and honors (Overall career):
- MLS All-Star: Selected for the 2015 MLS All-Star Game while with the Colorado Rapids.
- MLS Supporters’ Shield winner: Won the 2012 MLS Supporters’ Shield with the San Jose Earthquakes.
- MLS SuperDraft: Selected second overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.
- Collegiate legend: Holds the Wake Forest University record for most games played and started (98) and was a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist in 2008.
- International experience: Earned two caps for the United States Senior National Team in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Where is he now?:
- Sam Cronin retired from professional soccer on March 1, 2019.
- He transitioned into a new career path and is now involved in commercial real estate, based in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.