Sports stats



NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota Strikes First But RailHawks Strike Back in Season Opener

April 3, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC (in Blue) vs. the Carolina RailHawks
Minnesota United FC (in Blue) vs. the Carolina RailHawks
(Minnesota United FC)

CARY, NC. - Minnesota United kicked off its 2016 NASL season in Carolina, falling to the RailHawks 2-1. Christian Ramirez scored a Goal of the Year contender to first his first touch of the season, but Carolina answered shortly after. United was able to fight back as the game went on, but couldn't complete the comeback. Despite the loss, new United Head Coach Carl Craig saw positives in his team's play.

"When we played football in the formula we set in place, we looked very good," said Craig. "Great goal by Christian and we created chances, but not enough. When we [played our game] we had them on their back foot, but didn't do that enough. There were positive signs but also some work to be done to progress and get better."

Minnesota was able to get off to a fast start thanks to last year's leading goalscorer Ramirez. A long ball over the top, from new United defender Damion Lowe, fell to Ramirez in stride behind the defense. The young forward volleyed the ball on the bounce from 35 yards out, dipping a long-range shot over the top of the RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald to open his and Minnesota's tally for 2016.

The RailHawks began to push back and caught United off guard. NASL veteran and always dangerous attacking player Tiyi Shipalane, was able get in behind the defense and coolly finished a chipped effort to tie the game. Carolina nearly scored on the following kickoff if not for a clearance off the goal line by Minnesota defender Kevin Venegas.

Possession had been dominated by the RailHawks in the opening minutes, with United seeing very little of the ball. Though the Loons were able to control the game a bit more as time went on, Carolina was still able to punish Minnesota for any mistakes. After a loss of possession, a cross from Kareem Moses made its way through the United penalty area and was headed home by Austin da Luz to give the RailHawks their first lead of the match.

United had a few chances late in the half as both teams settled into the game. Many of the attacks developed on the outside edges of the pitch, with Carolina conceding the territory to stack players in the middle to prevent a final shot.

The second half went more in United's favor, able to generate several offensive chances. Finding ways into dangerous areas, the Loons were able to find the shooting lanes that eluded them in the first half. Some of the best chances came from the left side, provided by Justin Davis and substitute Lance Laing. However, the short range efforts failed to hit the target, barely missing the top bar.

The other end of field, United shored up the early defensive woes and looked much stronger in the second half. Lowe was a rock at the back of the defense, winning several key tackles and throwing his body in front of Carolina shots.

The RailHawks went a man down in the final minutes of the game as Simon Mensing was sent off for a vicious tackle on Stefano Pinho. United was unable to complete the comeback, falling to the RailHawks in its season opener.

"It's disappointing to lose," said Craig. "It means we have to work that much harder in this short Spring Season, but there were signs of some quality in this team today."

Minnesota continues its NASL season next week, once again on the road, against FC Edmonton. Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 10th. United plays in Minnesota for the first time in 2016 on Saturday, April 16th against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Cheer on your Loons at NSC Stadium at 7 p.m. Call 763-4SOCCER or visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets to get your seats to the home opener.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics




Images from this story

Minnesota United FC (in Blue) vs. the Carolina RailHawks
Minnesota United FC (in Blue) vs. the Carolina RailHawks
   



North American Soccer League Stories from April 3, 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