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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Begin U.S. Open Cup Play in Saint Louis

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


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On Wednesday, the Loons begin their U.S. Open Cup journey away from home at Saint Louis's World Wide Tech Soccer Park. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. CDT and will be streamable online via mnunitedfc.com.

Last summer's Open Cup fixture was a night to forget for the Loons. After midfielder J.C. Banks gave the Loons a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute, knocking home a deflected shot, the Loons committed a foul in the penalty area and conceded an 80th minute goal. After two periods of extra time, the Loons failed to convert at the penalty spot and dropped out of the competition in a penalty shootout.

This United team has seen plenty of changes in the past year. United has signed several marquee players from MLS clubs and has added some of the top talent from last season's NASL in Golden Boot winner Stefano Pinho and NASL Best XI frequent flyer Lance Laing. United will look to get the most out of its players this Wednesday, with Head Coach Carl Craig focusing on fielding his best possible squad.

"The changes [to the lineup] are more down to managing the fitness levels and the fatigue based on the game Saturday and another game this Saturday," said Craig. "So whilst there are a couple of changes, it's got nothing to do with resting players or having the reserve team out.

"I've got injuries, I've got a third game-so three games in seven days is tough. With all that said the management of the squad is for me to get the best squad within the parameters set out by USSF and NASL, and certainly I think the squad that I'm putting out is the best squad that is available to me"

The Loons match up against a Saint Louis side that has been good at home this season. Forcing a draw last weekend, Saint Louis remains undefeated at home with a 2-3-0 record. Saint Louis has got it done on both ends of the pitch in 2016, near the top of the USL in both scoring and goals conceded.

The Saint Louis defense matches up against the NASL's top scoring team, averaging more than 1.5 goals a game. The Loons have found ways to score and score often all season long. However, these past three weeks United has struggled defensively. Giving up eight goals in three matches in a disappointing fashion. Lapses in judgment and bad giveaways in the back of plagued the Loons, who have been caught on the counter several times and given up 2-0 deficits early in matches the past two weeks.

"It's not more important than any other game, but we've lost two in a row, so the important part is that we get back to winning ways," said Craig. "Now we know what the prize is should we be successful tomorrow, a home tie against Sporting Kansas City which would be wonderful, and it would be just as wonderful-I'm sure-for Saint Louis so it's a tough match."

The winner of Wednesday's matchup will advance to host MLS's Sporting Kansas City. It will all be decided on the pitch this Wednesday at World Wide Soccer Park in Saint Louis a 7 p.m. CDT. The match will be streamable online, with details forthcoming.

Minnesota United Match Details

Kickoff: 7 p.m. CDT

Date: June 1, 2016

Opponent: Saint Louis FC

Broadcast: Online Stream - Details coming soon...

Watch Party: Nomad World Pub

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