Sports stats



NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Defeats Orlando City SC 3-2 in Final Preseason Match

April 7, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


ORLANDO, Fl. (Tuesday, April 7th, 2015) -- Minnesota United emerged victorious in its final test of the preseason against Major League Soccer's Orlando City SC. The Loons took home a 3-2 win thanks to goals from Miguel Ibarra, former Orlando City player Jamie Watson and a penalty from Pablo Campos.

Just four days away from the opening match of the season, Minnesota United earned a victory in the hot Florida sun at Orlando City's training facility.

"We played against a deep squad in Orlando City with a lot of great players and I thought we navigated the game well," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "We had to come back after giving up a couple goals, but we played well and responded very well. The heat and humidity was a battle but the guys pushed forward and we feel we are prepared to open the season on a high note."

Orlando City would strike first just twelve minutes into the match. A ball over the top of the United defense on the right wing sprung Bryan Róchez. Róchez pushed the ball just beyond the reach of United keeper Sammy Ndjock and slotted home the tight-angled shot into the empty net.

The Loons would answer in the 19th minute. Midfielder Daniel Mendes dropped a looping ball into the box that found the foot of Miguel Ibarra. Ibarra took the shot on the volley and buried it in the top right corner leveling the match at 1-1.

Orlando City regained the lead ten minutes later from a set piece. An Orlando free kick was curled into the box and City defender Connor Donovan rose well to meet it with his head. His powerful header sailed past an outstretched Ndjock giving the home side the 2-1 lead.

United enjoyed more possession in the closing moments of the half, building from the core of the midfield and looking for decisive passes to the wings for overlapping defenders Justin Davis and Kevin Venegas.

Minnesota would make two subs at the half, bringing midfielder Greg Jordan in for Jonny Steele and a keeper swap giving Mitch Hildebrandt the second forty-five.

United found running room on the right wing consistently for the opening stages of the second half. Forward Christian Ramirez and Mendes made consecutive strong runs and low line-drive crosses into the Orlando penalty area. Neither chance led to a goal, but were both good signs of things to come on the right side for the Loons.

United made wholesale substitutions in the 65th minute, bringing in fresh legs which made an immediate impact. Substitutes Kalif Alhassan, J.C. Banks and Brian Kallman provided solid buildup and possession from the midfield and right fullback positions.

Former Orlando City star Jamie Watson would bring his current club level in the 70th minute. A nice through ball into the box from Banks found Watson with a defender on his back. Watson operated well in tight quarters with a deft turn and fire all in one motion. His shot flew past the keeper from six yards out and evened the game at 2-2.

"The goal was kind of a blur," said Watson. "J.C. [Banks] played a great ball into the box and instincts just kicked in. We were down in the game and it was an important turning point. I was happy to help the team win today."

Watson would prove to be a difference-maker once again in the 75th minute. J.C. Banks turned provider for a second time playing a nice ball to Watson inside the penalty area. Watson received the pass and pushed his initial touch beyond a City defender who was forced to lunge and foul Watson for the penalty. Pablo Campos would step up to the spot and give the Loons the lead, his second goal of the preseason.

"It's rare to get a chance to play against your former team and score a goal and impact the game," said Watson. "It was a really special day."

Minnesota held on for the final 15 minutes and came away with a solid win heading into its opening match of the 2015 North American Soccer League season. United travels from Orlando to Tampa to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang stadium Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 6:30 CT. Fans can watch all the action live on ESPN3.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



North American Soccer League Stories from April 7, 2015


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