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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Advances to U.S.Open Cup Fourth Round with 2-0 Win over Saint Louis FC

June 1, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


FENTON, MO. - In its opening game of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Minnesota United emerged with a 2-0 victory over USL side Saint Louis FC. A pair of second half goals from Kevin Venegas and new signing Jack Blake, allow United to move on to host Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer, Wednesday, June 15th at National Sports Center Stadium.

"Absolutely great win," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "It's a tough place to come play. Saint Louis a very organized team with some skilled players. After the first half we reminded ourselves that we can play football. With the two losses behind us it was weighing on our minds, but history is history. It doesn't exist unless you waste energy on it. We've got no reason to throw energy at history. We're a forward thinking football team, we've got quality footballers, and with an eye on the future we'll be good."

Minnesota took awhile to settle into the match, looking to control the tempo as it hoped to avoid a repeat of last year's loss to Saint Louis. After a few minutes of feeling each other out, Saint Louis began to press the Loons and try to dictate the pace of play. The Saints were snatching at chances early, with leading scorer Irvin Herrera trying a dipping shot from distance to try and catch goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock off guard.

Ndjock was called upon shortly after, when a deflection fell favorably for Saint Louis to set up Herrera once again. The first time shot from the forward forced Ndjock to make a diving stop to his left, which he comfortably held on to. It would be the Saints only shot on goal of the match.

The second half saw the scales tip in the favor of United, who had begun to control possession and get more men forward. There was a scary moment when midfielder J.C. Banks was flipped head over heels trying to win a header, landing hard on his head. Banks was able to walk off the field after a few tense minutes, forcing already injury-laden United to make an early substitution.

Chances started to come for Minnesota, as both Stefano Pinho and Daniel Mendes nearly got the Loons on the board with chances generated off quick breaks.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute as Minnesota took advantage of stretching out the Saint Louis defense. Forward Christian Ramirez flicked a pass through to defender Kevin Venegas, who was making his 100th appearance for the club. Venegas coolly snuck a low shot underneath the Saints goalkeeper to put the Loons on top.

Saint Louis immediately tried to level the scores by adding speedy players up top with substitutions following the goal. The Saints were able to pin United in its own half, and laid siege to Minnesota's goal with a barrage of crosses and charges up the middle.

The home side had most of its chances come off of set pieces and nearly tied the game off a corner kick. The ball found a rising Vince Cicciarelli about six yards for goal. His headed effort bounced up off the turf, clanged off the bottom of the crossbar, and out to Herrera who deflected the ball wide.

Four minutes of stoppage time looked like enough for Saint Louis to once again snag a late goal against United and force extra time as it had in 2015. The Saints scrambled to get the ball up field as Minnesota was determined to hold the result at all costs. United took advantage of Saint Louis having so many men forward, allowing Danny Cruz to run nearly uncontested down the left edge of the field. He curled a low cross to the top of the box where new signing Jack Blake was waiting to calmly place the ball into the net, securing the win for Minnesota.

"We were a little leggy after the weekend," said Craig. "We had to bring in guys like Danny Cruz who is playing through injury. For him to step up for us and set up the second goal was absolutely outstanding. It's a team game be he stepped in a tough situation, and with young Jack [Blake] to score the second goal in his debut was absolutely lovely."

With the win, United moves on in the U.S. Open Cup to play Sporting Kansas City of MLS. The match will be played in Minnesota on June 15th, with further match details coming at a later date. Tickets for the match can be purchased HERE. The Loons will have a quick turnaround to face Rayo OKC on the road Saturday, June 4th at 8 p.m. CT. United will then return home to host the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, June 11th to conclude the NASL Spring Season. Tickets for this match can be purchased by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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