Sports stats



NASL Minnesota United FC

Loons Draw in Puerto Rico

October 9, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Loons Draw in Puerto Rico
Loons Draw in Puerto Rico
(Minnesota United FC)

BAYAMÓN, PR.-- Minnesota United ended its week on the road with a scoreless draw with Puerto Rico FC. The Loons were in control for most of the match, but were unable to find the back of the net despite many chances.

"We had another team on an unbeaten streak to play against and they were a well organized side," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "They were tough to break down because they had so many men behind the ball. Once again we had opportunities to score. We were driving and I don't think anyone could question the attitude to the players to go and get a result. But we lacked a bit of quality in the attacking third, and I think that's the reason why we didn't get the win tonight."

The home side gave the Loons lots of room to work with on the field and Minnesota took full advantage of it. United passed their way around Puerto Rico in the opening half, especially on the right side as Kevin Venegas and Danny Cruz provided most of the attacking play. Cruz served up one of the better early chances for the Loons with a driven cross that found Ben Speas on the near post, but the final shot was off the mark.

For the first time in over two years, Minnesota was without star striker Christian Ramirez due to an ankle sprain from last match against Tampa Bay. His absence allowed Minnesota native Ismaila Jome to step into the role of striker, and was a dynamic player up top. Jome covered a lot of ground in the opening half, working mainly as a target forward and distributing the ball to the midfield.

Jome did create holes in the defense with his off the ball movement. This allowed Stefano Pinho to have an open shot after cutting into the Puerto Rico box late in the half. Shot final effort was off the mark, but the Loons were shooting more during the opening half than they had in the past several games.

Puerto Rico nearly pulled ahead late in the game as it tried to capitalize on set pieces. After not being awarded a penalty for a hand ball earlier in the half, it was awarded a long-range free kick in stoppage time. Former Loon Pedro Mendes lofted a ball towards the center of the box where Ramón Soria was unmarked. Despite being wide open, Soria's header was driven outside the near post and the first half ended scoreless.

Minnesota continued to fire from distance in the second half, taking every chance Puerto Rico would give. Both Jeb Brovsky and half time sub J.C. Banks took early chances, hitting defenders and narrowly missing the target on their shots.

On the other side of the ball, defender Brent Kallman had a fantastic game in the United back line. The Woodbury native was excellent defensively, with many perfectly timed tackles to dispossess the opposition.

United nearly pulled ahead less that 15 minutes from time. Speas managed to block a Puerto Rico clearance and chase down the ball in the corner. Stefano Pinho made a run towards goal, but Speas elected to pass back to the top of the box where Ibson, who had recently come on for Brovsky, was running. The ball found Ibson in stride, allowing him to sweep a shot toward the far post, however the ball was once again wide of the target.

Ibson nearly scored a few minutes later after a quick free kick. J.C. Banks was fouled, and Justin Davis played a quick through ball to Pinho near the end line. Pinho found Banks once again who laid the ball off Ibson around the top of the six-yard box. The Brazilian took a first time shot that beat the goalkeeper, but beat the post as well.

The Loons made a late push, but were unable to make a breakthrough as they earned their second-straight draw.

Minnesota ends its road trip with two points and will return home next Saturday to play FC Edmonton. Get your tickets today by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics




Images from this story

Loons Draw in Puerto Rico
Loons Draw in Puerto Rico
   



North American Soccer League Stories from October 9, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central