NASL North Carolina FC

Carolina Suffers Loss at Minnesota United FC in Fall Season Home Opener

Published on July 2, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Carolina Suffers Loss at Minnesota United FC in Fall Season Home Opener
Carolina Suffers Loss at Minnesota United FC in Fall Season Home Opener
(North Carolina FC)

Blaine, Minn. (July 2, 2016)- The Carolina RailHawks started the 2016 NASL Fall Season with a 5-1 loss at Minnesota United on Saturday night, despite playing the last 23 minutes with a man advantage. Minnesota's Christian Ramirez recorded a hat trick, while midfielder Matt Watson scored the lone goal for the RailHawks.

After 20 minutes of back and forth play, in which the RailHawks were holding possession with short passes, Minnesota opened its account when Ramirez's shot from outside the box to hit the near post, finding the back of the net for the lead. Four minutes later the Minnesota forward took advantage of a defensive mishap and easily finished his second of the night.

The RailHawks bounced back immediately searching for the elusive tally and controlling the play for most of the second half. An attempt by Billy Schuler, in the 39th caromed straight across the goal line and a cross by RailHawks captain Nazmi Albadawi forced Minnesota goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock to come off his line and make the save.

The half would end with the home team up 3-0 thanks to a stoppage time goal by Stefano Pinho.

Minnesota came out hot in the second half finding the back of the net again in the 47th minute with Tiago Calvano heading home a corner kick from Kevin Vanegas.

Trying to add some spark to the offense, RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke subbed in Aly Hassan for Schuler and the move almost paid dividends when the forward set up Brian Shriver who placed his shot in the side netting in the 57th.

In the 67th minute, the RailHawks found themselves up a man when Minnesota midfielder Jeb Brovsky was shown a second caution and sent to the showers early. Ramirez recorded his hat trick in the 75th by tapping in a cross from Danny Cruz, but not before a valiant effort by Paul Black on the opposite end of the pitch.

The RailHawks finally saw their efforts succeed when Watson pulled one back in the 90th with a well-placed shot in the bottom right corner of the net fixing the result at 5-1.

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Carolina Suffers Loss at Minnesota United FC in Fall Season Home Opener
Carolina Suffers Loss at Minnesota United FC in Fall Season Home Opener
   



North American Soccer League Stories from July 2, 2016


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