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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Ends Fury Streak with Dramatic 2-1 Stoppage Time Win

August 15, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Christian Ramirez Continues His Scoring Streak and Mendes Wins the Match Late OTTAWA, Ont. (Saturday, August 15th, 2015) -- Minnesota United pulled off a dramatic 2-1 on the road against the Ottawa Fury on Saturday night. United's win ended the Fury's 12-game unbeaten streak, with the winning goal coming from a picture perfect free kick from midfielder Daniel Mendes.

"This was a very important game for us," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "Getting back in the win column was huge. We played well against a team who was on a great run, and had to grind out a late win."

Minnesota United entered the match hungry to end the Fury's win streak after putting an end to their shutout streak earlier in the Fall season. Though both teams struggled to make connections in the offensive third of the field, Minnesota was able to break the deadlock in the 17th minute. Forward Christian Ramirez stole the ball off the feet of Rafael Alves and went on a breakaway toward the Fury goal. Ramirez coolly slotted the ball past the Fury goalkeeper to take the lead for United and extend his scoring streak to seven games - one shy of the NASL record.

"He keeps finding new ways to score," said Lagos. "He really set the tone for the game and got us going in the right direction."

Ottawa pressed the attack in the second half to try to equalize, giving Minnesota little time with the ball. Minnesota's defense withstood the bombardment from the Fury, mainly coming from outside crosses. The home side finally broke through in the 74th minute as Andrew Wiedeman capitalized on a deflection in the box to level the match.

United answered by pushing back on the Fury, trying to pull ahead late. The golden opportunity came in stoppage time when Pablo Campos was fouled outside of the penalty area, setting up his team with a free kick. Daniel Mendes and Kevin Venegas stood over the ball in the death of the match. Mendes would step up to be the hero. Driving the ball and curling it over the defensive wall and off the hands of Ottawa goalkeeper Romuald Peiser to get the late winner. United finished off the Fury for the first time this season and will look to carry the momentum into the next match.

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