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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United and Tampa Bay Rowdies Fight to 1-1 Draw in Front of 7,024 Fans at NSC Stadium

September 6, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Blaine, Minn. (Saturday, September 6th, 2014) -- Minnesota United and the Tampa Bay Rowdies clashed in the NASL Match of the Week, which ended in a 1-1 draw. League leading scorer Christian Ramirez netted his 14th goal of the year for Minnesota, while Georgi Hristov tied the game for Tampa Bay.

"There were a lot of different ways we could've finished this game off, and we didn't quite do it," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "It's been three frustrating games, and two where we played really good soccer and haven't gotten three points. I'm proud of how the guys played, the effort they put in, and just the fight overall."

The first half was a physical battle on both ends of the pitch. Players were throwing their weight around, not giving the official an easy night. The lone goal of the half came after United midfielder Daniel Mendes was tripped cutting across the the Rowdies penalty area. The referee gave Minnesota a penalty kick, allowing league-leading goal scorer Christian Ramirez to step up and net his 14th league goal of 2014, setting a franchise record for goals in a season, topping striker Pablo Campos' 13 goals in 2013.

The second half was wide open, full of back-and-forth action. Both goalkeepers were put to the test, needing to come up big on several occasions to keep their side in the match. Rowdies forward Georgi Hristov got his team on the board in the 70th minute, and was the only player to find the back of the net in the second half. A through ball from midfielder Lucky Mkosana found Hristov running down the left side of the Minnesota penalty area. Hristov fired as he cut in toward goal, hitting the elbow of United goalkeeper Matt VanOekel. The ball deflected off the keeper's elbow and into the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

Minnesota began to pour on the pressure, desperately trying to regain the lead. The team had several chances to close the game out, but poor finishing and deflections prevented United from claiming three points.

Minnesota United is back in action against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers next Saturday in Blaine. Fans are encouraged to come early for a pregame concert. Scars on 45 will perform at 5:30 p.m. in the main tailgate lot. For tickets, call 763.4SOCCER or visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 6, 2014


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