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NASL Minnesota United FC

Loons Wrap up Mexico Preseason Tour against Cruz Azul

March 16, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota United traveled to the Cruz Azul training facility to kick off against the Cruz Azul Reserve Team in its final match of a two-week preseason training tour in Mexico this Wednesday. It was a sunny afternoon match, in which the Loons would come from behind to draw even with the Mexican side 1-1. With moments of brilliance from United Head Coach Carl Craig's side, United return to Minnesota with two weeks of preparation remaining before the Spring Season kicks off.

"I think we created a number of chances before we conceded," said Craig. "I'm quite happy with the day, guys worked hard, pieces are coming together, created opportunities-yeah, we've got to take them, but we ended the trip well."

The first of United's chances came from Danny Cruz, who found space down the left side of the pitch behind Cruz Azul's defense and hit a powerful shot low across the face of goal. Only a few minutes later, Ben Speas hit a dipping shot with his left boot that forced the Cruz Azul 'keeper to make a save.

With the Loons pressing forward, Cruz Azul hit on the counter, playing a deep ball beyond United's defenders to a running striker. When he received the ball, the striker looked to be two or three feet offside, but the assistant referee's flag stayed down and he was on a 1v1 break against United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock. The young striker kept a cool head and finished low in the left corner just beyond the reach of Ndjock.

The second half began with United pushing the pace of the match. When Lance Laing was taken down deep up the left side of the pitch, United defender Kevin Venegas stood over the ball and delivered a free kick into the box. His cross found the forehead of centerback Damion Lowe, who made no mistake placing it in the back of the net just four minutes into the second half.

The build up play from United was promising throughout the second half, looking dangerous in the final third on several occasions, but narrowly missing with the finish. The final whistle blew with the two teams deadlocked at 1-1. Craig was pleased with the way his team performed, and the progress he has seen as the Loon's trip to Mexico concludes.

"We've had last week, which was difficult for us to navigate, but this week as of Monday the guys seem to have turned over a new leaf and showed great progress today so I'm pleased," said Craig.

Getting fit ahead of the new season remains important for Minnesota United, with several players out due to injury.

"Still have to get the guys fit; Juliano [Vicentini] is coming back, should be on the field next week; [J.C.] Banks got a few minutes today, that was good to see him back; Stefano [Pinho] is back in training, should be on the field in the next couple of weeks," said Craig. "So, with the quality that's currently not fit, what we're able to call upon to bring in I think exciting times ahead. Tough job for me to pick the team, but exciting times ahead."

The excitement begins on Saturday, April 2nd, as Minnesota United kicks off against the Carolina RailHawks in the season opener at WakeMed Soccer Park. That match is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. CDT. Loons return to NSC Stadium on April 16th against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Tickets for that match will be available Thursday, March 17th at mnunitedfc.com/tickets.

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