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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Captures First Victory of the Season in Edmonton

April 10, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United Midfielder Ben Speas vs. FC Edmonton
Minnesota United Midfielder Ben Speas vs. FC Edmonton
(Minnesota United FC)

EDMONTON, AB. - In the second week of the NASL season, Minnesota fought to a well-deserved away win against FC Edmonton. A pair of goals from offseason signing Ben Speas on either side of halftime, assisted by Kevin Venegas, lifted the Loons past the Eddies.

"We learned from last week and have been able to implement some things we've been working on in preseason," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "I was very pleased that it's working for us, we probably could've had a few more goals though. With the talent we have on this team, we're expected to win and we did that today."

Like last week, Minnesota got off to a strong start. The opening ten minutes saw Minnesota hold the ball for nearly the entire time. Christian Ramirez nearly got another early strike for the second straight week, but stellar goalkeeping by former Loon, Matt VanOekel was able to deny the early chances.

United continued to have its way with the ball, opening up space on the flanks as well as right down the middle. With midfielder Juliano Vicentini back in the lineup, there was more cohesion from defense to midfield and into the attacking third. Great passing allowed the Loons to open up the Eddies defense and finally created a golden chance 16 minutes in. Defender Kevin Venegas played a through ball past sliding Edmonton defenders to midfielder Ben Speas, who coolly placed the ball in the far bottom corner of the net to give Minnesota the lead.

Shortly after, United was forced to make an early substitution when Tiago Calvano went down with an injury. Damion Lowe was brought on, making his second career appearance for United.

Throughout the first half, Edmonton relied on the counter attack to generate offense as Minnesota quickly moved to smother most offensive chances. Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock was rarely called upon in the first half, but did make a pair of key saves.

Ramirez nearly doubled the lead before halftime as he attempted a leaping volley, but once again VanOekel was there to deny him.

"It was a little bit nervy," said Craig. "Only being up one nil with the number of chances we had."

Continuing its domination in the second half, Minnesota pushed forward early and often. Ten minutes in the Loons doubled their lead thanks once again to Speas. A throw in from Venegas found Speas with his back to the goal. Speas skillfully flicked the ball up and over the defender, got around his man, and volleyed home shot into the lower left corner.

United nearly got its third late in the game, thanks to a quick counterattack. Kevin Venegas was all alone behind the defense with a one-on-one chance against VanOekel. Venegas saw Lance Laing breaking towards the far post, but the final pass was deflected by Edmonton's Allan Zebie.

The Eddies began to push back in the final minutes, trying to stage a comeback. A few chances challenged the United defense, but it was able to withstand the pressure. United held on till the final whistle to capture three points on the road and earn the clean sheet.

"I was really glad to get the second [goal], but most importantly the win," said Speas. "I think we were set up well and were prepared for what Edmonton was going to bring, and our game plan worked really well."

It was also an emotional day for Laing, who had played the last three years with Edmonton.

"I was thinking about this game every singe day this week," said Laing. "It was great to get the win in this one. It was a very emotional game for me. It was great to have played with a special group of guys and great coach in Edmonton. I wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season"

Minnesota United returns to Blaine for its first home game of 2016. Join the raucous crowd at NSC Stadium and be a part of one of the best stadium experience in the NASL as United kicks off at 7 p.m. against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Call 763-4SOCCER or visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets today to join the action.

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Minnesota United Midfielder Ben Speas vs. FC Edmonton
Minnesota United Midfielder Ben Speas vs. FC Edmonton
   



North American Soccer League Stories from April 10, 2016


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