Sports stats



NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Falls 1-0 to Ottawa Fury in Second Match of the Season

April 18, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United vs. Ottawa Fury
Minnesota United vs. Ottawa Fury
(Minnesota United FC)

OTTAWA, ON. (Saturday, April 18th, 2015) -- Minnesota United (0W-1T-1L, 1pt.) was handed its first loss of the 2015 season by the Ottawa Fury (1W-1T-1L, 4pts.)on Saturday afternoon. A second half goal from Tom Heinemann gave Ottawa the advantage they needed to beat United for the first time in their short history.

Running into the wind the the first half made it difficult for Minnesota to get going. Ottawa took full advantage of the heavy gusts to find forwards running down the flanks with long, high passes. The Fury put heavy pressure on the Loons' defense, forcing several panicked clearances and saves.

United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock was called on many times in the first half to keep his team in the match. His Ottawa counterpart Romuald Peiser, on the other hand, was not tested at all in the first half, as Minnesota failed to put a shot on goal.

The second half saw Minnesota switch to a more attacking style, but the Fury were still able to test the United defense on many occasions. United was able to push into its offensive half, but the stout Fury defense shut down any attempts in front of its goal.

It took 68 minutes for the deadlock to be broken as Heinemann was able to sneak through on the left side and slot the ball between Ndjock's legs. Heinemann took advantage of a long ball, beat one United defender as he cut into the penalty area, and pulled the trigger just before Tiago Calvano could slide in and block the shot.

Following the goal, United began to push more men forward trying to get a late equalizer. Kalif Alhassan, making his debut for Minnesota, created the best chance for his team late in the match. Alhassan was able to beat two defenders while dribbling on the end line before putting a cross in front of the net. A block from a Fury defender prevented his ball from finding Christian Ramirez in front of goal, but panicked the Fury defense.

United was unable to find the late equalizer despite a late offensive push. The Loons will look to rebound from this set back as the team returns to Minnesota for its home opener against the San Antonio Scorpions. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Sections are selling out so get your tickets today by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics




Images from this story

Minnesota United vs. Ottawa Fury
Minnesota United vs. Ottawa Fury
   



North American Soccer League Stories from April 18, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central