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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Earns Point on the Road

August 20, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Jacksonville, Fl-- Following a massive MLS announcement in Minnesota, the Loons traveled to Jacksonville as the NASL season continued forward and picked up a valuable point on the road in a scoreless match. The Loons did well to move the ball about the pitch, but were unable to challenge the Jacksonville defensive core as the United defenders stood strong and secured a clean sheet.

It was 94 degrees in Jacksonville and both teams got off to a sluggish start, with very little pace on the ball, and one or two touch passing across the pitch. Through 20 minutes, neither team managed to challenge either goalkeeper with a shot. Slow to move into the attacking portion of the pitch, Jemal Johnson tallied the first shot of the match for the Armada, connecting with his laces from outside the penalty area and dragging his shot wide right of the net, while Ibson got things started for the Loons, hitting a dipping ball from distance wide of the Jacksonville goal.

Just a few minutes later, Ibson got his second chance of the night, and the best scoring opportunity for either team through the opening half. Lance Laing carried the ball into the center of the pitch, then quickly turned and delivered a pass to the top of the box, where Ibson hit it with his right boot. With both teams failing to hit the target in the first 45 minutes, United tallying seven shots and the Armada hitting five, the lone shot on net came from Ibson, as his shot was struck well, but directed at Jacksonville goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo.

United had one more chance to take a lead into half in the 43rd minute of play from a corner kick. Ben Speas delivered to the head of Aaron Pitchkolan, who flicked it down in the direction of Tiago Calvano. Calvano had plenty of space, and took his time picking out a shot. Side-footing it toward net, he was unable to sneak it through traffic, and the ball deflected away to safety.

The heat certainly slowed play throughout the first half, with both teams maintaining energy off the ball. United had a small edge on possession with 52 percent of the ball, but neither club managed to threaten in front of net.

Sweltering heat continued to be the story of the afternoon. Both the Jacksonville Armada and Minnesota United attempted to play passes over the top to running forwards or slowly through the midfield, but unsuccessfully create opportunities in front of net.

Perhaps frustrated by a lack of chances, United earned its second red card of the week- after Jack Blake was sent off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday. Following a deep run into the Jacksonville half, Ibson was dispossessed for a moment, before regaining sight of the ball. He wound up and hit the ball hard off a Jacksonville defender, leaving his cleat up high and bringing it down on the defender's stomach. There was little delay in the decision from the center official as he showed red in the 77th minute.

Down to ten men, United continued to press the Jacksonville back four, and nearly found the back of the net in the 89th minute, creating the shot of the second half as substitutes Brent Kallman and Danny Cruz connected in the penalty box. Kallman, playing at center midfield dribbled into the 18-yard-box near the corner and hit a bouncing cross into center. There, Cruz came crashing in, connecting with his right boot with a half volley that flew in toward net, but made contact with a Jacksonville defender and deflected away.

The center official blew his whistle for the final time just a few minutes later, as United held a clean sheet and took one point away from the match. The Loons have now held their opponents scoreless for 224 minutes, with two straight shutouts.

MLS is coming to Minnesota next season, as the Loons announced they would be playing at TCF Bank Stadium in 2017 on Friday night. Place a $40 deposit now to save your seat for the upcoming season. Tickets at mnunitedfc.com/tickets. PH -25%20MNU%20vs.%20Club%20Leon/) OTOS -25%20MNU%20vs.%20Club%20Leon/) | STATS (http://www.mnunitedfc.com/match-center/1218/jax-vs-mnu)

*PHOTO CAPTION: Minnesota United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock grabs a corner kick in the second half. Lineups

Minnesota United Starting XI: GK Sammy Ndjock; D Justin Davis, Tiago Clavano, Damion Lowe, Jeb Brovsky; M Aaron Pitchkolan, Ibson, Lance Laing (Ismaila Jome 65'), Jamie Watson (Danny Cruz 68'), Ben Speas (Brent Kallman 86'); F Christian Ramirez

MNU Unused Subs: GK Steward Ceus; M Daniel Mendes, J.C. Banks

Jacksonville Armada FC Starting XI: GK Miguel Gallardo; D Matt Bahner, Tyler Ruthven, Mechack Jerome, Patrick Otte; M Kevan George, Nicklas Maripuu (Lucas Scaglia 84'), Jemal Johnson, Junior Sandoval (Zach Steinberger 68'), Charles Eloundou; F Alhassane Keita (Pascal Millien 76')

JAX Unused Subs: GK Sean Lewis; D Beto Navarro, Bryan Burke; M Danny Barrow

Match Events

Goals NONE

Discipline 43' - Watson (YC) - MNU 43' - Ibson (YC) - MNU 77' - Ibson (RC) - MNU 82' - Bahner (YC) - JAX

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