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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Enters Final Stretch with Spring Title on the Line

May 27, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC in Action
Minnesota United FC in Action
(Minnesota United FC)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - With three weeks remaining in the NASL Spring Season, just two points are all that separate the top five teams. Despite a loss to Indy Eleven last Saturday, the Loons are sitting in the driver's seat with 13 points and a game in hand over the top-placed New York Cosmos who lead the league with 15 points. It's a crucial three-week stand for United, with three matches and an open cup game to close the Spring Season, and the first trophy of the year up for grabs. Join the amazing crowds at NSC Stadium, kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CDT - fans can also watch all the action live on MY29 TV and ESPN3.

"It's an awful cliché, but we've got to stay more concentrated on the field, we've got to help drive each other on, and we've basically got to play our A-game as well, because as things stand right now there's no room for a slip-up and we should be driving this thing," said Minnesota United Head Coach Carl Craig. "We've slipped up twice when we were in a really strong position, I don't think anyone is going to give us another chance and we can't rely on them either, we need to get our heads back in shape and we've got to learn from the negatives and we've got to maintain and even do better the stuff that we do well, because it's so tight up there."

Minnesota has won eleven, drawn seven and lost seven matches all-time against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, scoring 38 goals in all 25 matches. Playing in league matches against one another since 2010, Tampa Bay and Minnesota are two teams that are very familiar with each other. With the league as close as it is, United head coach Carl Craig understands that one slip-up could cost his team the NASL Championship.

"Tampa has got players. They've signed Joe Cole who is, whilst he's getting on a bit, still looking spritely; Kalif [Alhassan] we know can do some magical stuff with the ball at his feet and [Tom] Heinemann has historically done quite well against us, so they'll be tough," said Craig. "They're sitting in the middle of the table, but with the closeness of this league, one win and they'll be right in on top so we need to be sure we don't allow it, simple as that. They've got good players, but we can't allow them to get into their game."

For the Loons, returning the their home field at NSC Stadium in Blaine should provide a boost of confidence and form. United is undefeated in front of its home fans, and has not given up a single goal so far in Minnesota in 2016. The black and blue of the United faithful will be a welcomed site as the Loons begin the championship push this Saturday.

"The fans at NSC are awesome and every player wants to play at home every week," said Minnesota United defender Damion Lowe. "Unfortunately that's not the case, but I think we can continue this unbeaten streak at home and we're going to hold the fort down."

This Saturday, Minnesota United returns to NSC Stadium, where the club is undefeated and has yet to concede a goal in 2016. The Loons opponent, Tampa Bay, has had a difficult start to its season and is coming off 2-1 a loss against the New York Cosmos in Week 8 play. The Loons kick off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 p.m. CDT.

Minnesota United Match Details

Kickoff: 7 p.m. CDT

Date: May 28, 2016

Opponent: Tampa Bay Rowdies

Broadcast: MY29, ESPN3

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Minnesota United FC in Action
Minnesota United FC in Action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from May 27, 2016


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