NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Extends Home Unbeaten Streak to Thirteen with 0-0 Draw against Cosmos

Published on October 18, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (Saturday, October 18th, 2014 ) -- Minnesota United secured home-field advantage in the postseason and extended its home unbeaten streak to 13 games with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the New York Cosmos. Christian Ramirez missed a penalty kick late in the second half that could've won the match for United and secured the Fall Championship.

"I thought it was a bit of a stalemate in the first half, and I thought the rest of the half we were the ones creating some great chances," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "In the second half we had the majority of chances again. I'm sure Christian would want to have that penalty kick back, but ultimately the defense played well and earned the shutout, so overall we're pleased."

The first half ended scoreless, but not for a lack of excitement. Yellow cards were given to both sides for some very physical play. Within a span of six minutes, Daniel Szetela, Greg Jordan, and Justin Davis were all booked for various fouls, all of which required some extra words from the officials to calm the players down.

United had several chances to go ahead with plays set up by midfielder and U.S. National Team player Miguel Ibarra, but stellar goalkeeping by Jimmy Maurer and a goal-line clearance by Hunter Freeman kept the match level.

The physical play continued in the second half, culminating in the lone red card of the match. Michael Reed headed a ball in for teammate Christian Ramirez as he ran towards the Cosmos goal. New York defender Carlos Mendes knocked Ramirez down in the penalty area, earning his ejection from the match in the 85th minute. Ramirez then stepped up to take the penalty awarded to Minnesota after the foul. The League-leading striker forced Maurer the wrong way but missed the net wide right.

United failed to capitalize in the remaining minutes as the match would end 0-0. However, thanks to Indy Eleven's 1-0 defeat of the San Antonio Scorpions, Minnesota clinched the #1 seed in the NASL Standings, earning home-field advantage in The Championship which begins November 8th. Minnesota United is at home again next Saturday to face the Scorpions with a chance to clinch the Fall Championship. The match begins at 7 p.m. and you can secure your seats by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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