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NASL Minnesota United FC

Loons Look for Three Points on Final Regular Season Road Trip

October 16, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United Celebrates a Goal
Minnesota United Celebrates a Goal
(Minnesota United FC)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Friday, October 16th, 2015) -- Just three matches remain to close out the 2015 Season. The Loons (10W-5T-2L, 35pts.) clinched a trip to the postseason last Saturday after defeating the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2-1 at home. Minnesota will look to extend its eleven game unbeaten streak on the road this Saturday as it faces Indy Eleven (3W-5T9L, 14pts.) at Michael A Carroll Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CDT - fans can watch all the action live on KSTC45-TV and ESPN3.

It's the final match away from home for Minnesota United this regular season. The Loons have had a successful year, near the top of the Fall Season standings and just one point short of the Cosmos in the combined table with an extra match to play.

"We played well last week and we have to continue to do that this season," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "To build into the postseason, it's important to use the stresses of this weekend to become a better unit. Indy has some dangerous players that can certainly cause problems and we have to play together if we want to win."

With plenty of work to do ahead of the NASL playoffs, for Minnesota United improvement from week to week is key.

"Reaching the playoffs is a great accomplishment for the guys," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "It's not easy, but the expectation for us is to continue to get better and make sure by the end of the year we are playing our best soccer. To do that we have to make sure we're prepared to go on the road and do well."

While not mathematically eliminated, Indy Eleven will likely not reach the postseason in their second year in the NASL. Indy has just 27 points and trails fourth place by eight with three matches left to play. Both sides of the pitch have been a struggle for the Eleven, conceding the second most goals in the league at 43, while only managing to score 30 goals this season. Despite great support off the pitch, Indy struggles to put games away at home, with just four wins at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

The Loons have been especially lethal offensively this season, with a league-leading 50 goals and four players with six or more goals in 2015. Minnesota moves the ball well in the final third and can counter quickly-making it nearly impossible for opposition to keep a clean sheet. The Loons scored three in their first meeting with Indy Eleven and tallied another goal this Fall Season in their second meeting, taking all of the possible six points in the two matches.

Minnesota United kicks off against Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Join Minnesota United staff at the official watch party for the match at Jake O'Connor's Public House in Excelsior.

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Minnesota United Celebrates a Goal
Minnesota United Celebrates a Goal
   



North American Soccer League Stories from October 16, 2015


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