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NASL Minnesota United FC

León and Loons Play Six-Goal Thriller at Target Field

June 25, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Target Field Soccer Configuration
Target Field Soccer Configuration
(Minnesota United FC)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - In a historic friendly at Target Field, Minnesota United and Club León battled to a 4-2 result for León in front of a record-setting 18,505 fans on a beautiful night in Minneapolis. The two teams combined for six goals, five coming in the second half, in the first ever soccer match at Target Field. The players on the pitch were the story, but the atmosphere created by the fans stole the show.

"The atmosphere was outstanding," exclaimed United Head Coach Carl Craig. "It was above and beyond my expectations and the fans of both clubs were lovely. It's an insight at how good soccer can be in Minnesota. We can expect a crowd like this and more when we move to MLS, because we've got a good squad and the more we win the bigger the crowd gets. Against a club as powerful as León I thought we did very well. We made errors, as all teams do, and good teams like León punish errors. I thought we were good beyond that though, and showed we can play."

The game got off to a fast start with both teams making moves out of the gate. United started off the attacking play with two headed chances from Aaron Pitchkolan and Christian Ramirez, both efforts just sailing over the bar.

León was more patient in its build up play, allowing United to sit back and organize the defense. La Fiera began to try and chip balls in over the top of the Minnesota defense, with Maxi Moralez being the prime target for passes.

In his second homecoming, Ibarra was once again greeted warmly by the Minnesota crowd, still fond of his impressive career with the Loons. Ibarra played the first 45 minutes on the left wing for La Fiera, and served up a few dangerous balls from the end line, and showed off some flair against his former team. His former teammates were itching at the chance to take on their friend.

"I never got placed against him in practice, so I was really looking forward to him running at me, but he didn't," said United defender Kevin Venegas. "I wanted to give him a hard time."

His former roommate, Christian Ramirez, was also excited to once again play against Ibarra.

"It's no different than it ever was in practice," said Ramirez. "We're both competitive and want to win."

Even with the competition on the field, the two have managed to stay close, despite being in different countries.

"We've continued to be close friends even though he's not here and we're still really close. It's good to see him out there competing."

Forward Stefano Pinho had the best chance of the half for United off a counterattack. A layoff pass from Daniel Mendes found Pinho crashing in at the top of the penalty area as León defenders were closing in from all angles. The Brazilian ripped a shot with the outside of his boot that just missed the top corner of the net.

The visitors' patient play began to create chances midway through the half as they slowly hemmed in the Loons. Germán Cano was the focal point for La Fiera, setting up two plays in as many minutes that led to shots for his side. Cano's hard work paid off in the 25th minute when he headed home cross to the far post to take the lead.

Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock stood on his head for most of the game, with numerous key saves to keep the match close. Shortly after the first goal, he charged out of his net to deny León a breakaway chance with a sprawling dive on the edge of the six-yard box.

Blunders by León goalkeeper Christian Martínez almost cost his side in the first half. A poor clearance and a missed punch fell favorably for United in the dying minutes of the half, but neither were able to be converted thanks to solid defensive play by León.

The first half saw a lot of the action for United go through midfielder J.C. Banks, who has made a handful of appearances during the Spring Season. Banks used his speed to make runs up the middle and showed off a bit of skillful dribbling to beat defenders one-on-one. He had a few chances himself early on, curling shots from the edge of the box that were scooped up by Martínez.

The second half started with a wholesale change for León, and the offense really came alive for the Mexican side. Team-leading scorer Mauro Boselli showed off why he was one of the top scorers in Liga MX last year, winning seemingly every ball that came his way and driving powerful shots towards goal. United managed to hold the striker at bay, but Boselli's teammates managed to carry the torch for him.

Just four minutes into the second half La Fiera managed to double its lead, thanks to an own goal after Minnesota Brent Kallman. The defender attempted to clear a low cross, but the ball deflected off his boot and into his own net instead.

The second goal invigorated the León attackers, who began to press up the field and really pressure the United defenders. The Loons stood firm under a barrage of quick attacks from the visitors, who took advantage of every yard given to them. Ndjock was called upon several times in the span of a few short minutes, and the Minnesota goalkeeper kept his cool under pressure.

Minnesota began to make substitutions of its own as the match reached the hour mark, bringing on fresh legs including trialist Jobi McAnuff. With new life and what seemed to be a second wind, Minnesota charged forward to try and catch León out of position with lightning fast attacks. A free kick on the edge of the box after a foul on Banks, gave the Loons its best chance of the night so far. Jamaican international Lance Laing, a free kick ringer in the NASL, stepped up and threaded the ball through a hole in the defensive wall, but was denied by a punching save from U.S. national team goalkeeper William Yarbrough.

Minnesota began to do what it did best on offense, work the ball up the flanks and swing balls into the middle for attacking players to latch on to. Open space on the left allowed the Loons to work the ball deep inside León territory, creating space for the club's all-time leading scorer Christian Ramirez. The forward settled the ball to the left of goal, just outside the penalty area. With a window of opportunity open for him, the player known as Superman to the fans, tucked a shot into the bottom corner past Yarbrough to cut the deficit in half.

The goal seemed to shake León's confidence, as the visitors gave up the ball on unforced errors following the goal. Laing was able to pounce on the ball after a León player tripped over it, and made a blazing run up the pitch. His final shot was off the mark, but it was just the start of United's push.

Another giveaway by León allowed Banks to get played in on the break, as he and Ramirez took on two defenders on the counter. Banks capped off his impressive performance with a skillful chip over Yarbrough, tying the match as Target Field erupted with cheers from the United faithful.

Mistakes cost the Loons in the long run, just as the club was pushing for a third to take the lead. A free kick opportunity for León allowed the visitors to reclaim the lead. Juan Cuevas drilled a curling shot over the top of the wall into the top corner of the goal, giving Ndjock no chance to make a save. Cuevas would seal the win for León in the 84th minute by capitalizing on a rebound after a parry by Ndjock.

As the final whistle loomed, Ndjock did everything in his power to keep his team in the match. A breakaway save, and an athletic double-stop from close range were a few of the highlight-reel stops the Cameroonian international made. The 11 shots on goal from León kept him busy, but he was equal to the task on nearly every opportunity. He staying strong through the final play of the match, a cross to the far post for Boselli. Ndjock managed to paw the ball out of the air as he threw himself at the attacker while the ball was towards on goal with a header, forcing a corner.

The exciting match was applauded by the 18,505 fans in attendance, a new United club record. The Loons return to NASL play by opening the Fall Season at home against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, July 2nd. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. CT for Military Appreciation Night presented by Budweiser. For tickets call 763.4SOCCER or visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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Target Field Soccer Configuration
Target Field Soccer Configuration
   



North American Soccer League Stories from June 25, 2016


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