NASL Minnesota United FC

Loons Drop First Points at Home in 2016

Published on May 28, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. - After an impressive run of form at home, Minnesota United suffered its first home defeat of the season. A pair of goals on either side of halftime earned the Tampa Bay Rowdies three points on the road and holding United back from claiming the top spot in the NASL Standings

"Two losses in a row are disappointing of course, but I think its the matter in which we lost that is more disappointing," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "We proved last week if we strolled around and don't control the ball and give out maximum effort we'll get undone and it happened again today. It's not a lack of ability or quality. We have to be more consistent in our quality of play. Quality without tempo won't win games. The injuries played a part, but these lads are professionals and it doesn't matter who is on the field, we have to get the result."

The wet weather limited Minnesota's ability to play long passes down the flanks, and missed chances early on cost the team in the long run. Short balls down the left side were the main avenue of attack for the Loons, with Stefano Pinho covering lots of ground to create space. Pinho nearly got United on the board in the opening minutes with a ball played into the middle that found Jamie Watson on the bounce. Watson, making his first appearance since being sidelined with an injury last year, volleyed the ball at waist-height, but sent the shot over the bar.

Injuries continued to plague Minnesota, with a handful players already missing the action tonight, as Jeb Brovsky went down in the first half. Brovsky collided with an opposing player while going for the ball, and remained on the ground for some time holding his left shoulder. After treatment from United's training staff and doctors, Brovsky labored to leave the pitch, but decided to fight through the pain to finish his shift until he could be substituted.

Brent Kallman would also leave the match with an injury in the second half.

"This has been the story of the season so far with injury after injury," said Craig. "It's tough to train when you don't have your full compliment of players. It will be difficult for us with two games next week."

As the halftime whistle was about to blow, former Loon Kalif Alhassan and new signing Joe Cole gave the Rowdies a crucial lead. Alhassan received the ball after a short clearances and worked his way to the end line. He swung a ball perfectly toward the head of Cole who turned it on net past goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock, whose momentum was carrying him the opposite direction.

Cole got his name in the assist column just minutes into the second half. Tampa Bay caught Minnesota on the counter attack, allowing Cole to find Eric Avila on the far side of the net. Avila was able to squeeze the ball through a narrow space between a defender the goalkeeper to double Tampa Bay's lead.

The Rowdies decided to sit back and let United come to them for the remainder of the match. Minnesota worked hard to get the ball into scoring territory, but the stingy Tampa Bay defense locked down the middle of the pitch.

Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens kept the result for his side, and made the play of the night on one of United's best chances. Kevin Venegas, who made his 99th appearance for Minnesota, curled a ball across the face of goal as J.C. Banks directed the ball on net with a diving shot. Pickens flung himself across his net, miraculously getting his body in the way of the shot on a split second reaction, then got to his feet and raced to clear the danger.

The tight contest caused some blood to boil, and it all came to a head when J.C. Banks was tripped just as he was about to enter the Rowdies penalty area. Both teams came together and the referees rushed in to break up the group. The scuffle delayed the match for a few minutes before United was able to take its free kick.

The Loons fought till the final whistle, but failed to get on the board for the first time since last season.

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 28, 2016


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