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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Drops 4-2 Result to Indy Eleven

May 21, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Minnesota United's impressive run of form came to an end Saturday night, as the Loons were defeated 4-2 at the hands of Indy Eleven. Minnesota tried to stage a second half comeback, but fell just short on the road.

"I think we let ourselves down tonight," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "Coming from two down to tie it was commendable. They are a tough team and play a tough style, but we hurt ourselves more by giving away free kicks. It's an experience we have to learn from."

Indy set the tone early and pressured the Loons from the start. United struggled to string together passes, but was able to generate a few early shots. Despite the offense, Indy was able to work the ball deep into Minnesota territory with fast counterattacks. This allowed the Eleven to catch United outnumbered in the 16th minute, allowing Justin Braun to feed Éamon Zayed wide open on the far post and take the early lead.

The game evened out as halftime approached, but other than the goal, neither side could generate a shot on target.

Once again, the Eleven got off to a quick start after halftime. Just four minutes into the second half, Indy caught United on the break. Braun swung in a cross from distance to Zayed, who was able to touch the ball across the frame of goal. United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock missed while trying to intercept the ball, allowing Omar Gordon an open chance at goal from a tight angle, doubling Indy's lead.

With its back against the wall, Minnesota fought back, throwing men forward to spur some offense. The move paid off as Kevin Venegas found Stefano Pinho with space on the right side of the pitch. Pinho cut inside and unleashed a thunderous blast that bulged the net, cutting the deficit in half at 2-1.

The assist was the 14th of Venegas' career in Minnesota, breaking the club record.

With a plethora of corner kicks already, it was only a matter of time before United was able to convert. Venegas curled in a ball to the middle of a crowded Indy penalty area, as defender Damion Lowe rose up to meet it. Lowe turned the ball on frame, and smashed home a powerful header to tie it at 2-2.

Set pieces would be beneficial to Indy as well, who had several chances from distances already in the game. Just 15 minutes from time, Nemanja Vukovic curled a free kick over United's defensive wall. Ndjock made an impressive diving save at the post but couldn't hold the ball, which rolled to Braun. Though he misses a couple a easy chances early on, Braun confidently finished his shot from close range, regaining the lead for Indy.

Injuries and substitutions gave United eight minutes of stoppage time to try and get a point on the road. The Loons snatched at chances trying to find the magical goal.

United's hopes dwindled as time went on. A second yellow to defender Justin Davis, after a foul just outside the box, left Minnesota with ten men and Indy was a dangerous free kick chance. Second half sub Nicki Paterson was able to curve a shot over the wall and out of the reach of Ndjock to seal the win for Indy.

Despite the loss, United remains on top of the Spring Standings pending results from tomorrow's matches.

Minnesota looks to remain unbeaten at home when the Tampa Bay Rowdies comes to town Saturday, May 28th. United is firmly in the race to claim the Spring Championship, and will need three crucial points when the match kicks off at 7 p.m. at NSC Stadium. Visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets or call 763.4SOCCER.

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 21, 2016


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