NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Falls 3-2 in a Heartbreaker

June 22, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC fall victim to a late winner by the Carolina RailHawks at the Hawks nest of Wake Med Park in Cary, North Carolina. After scoring two goals early, United fall to a 3-2 defeat.

There is a saying that 2-0 is the most dangerous score in soccer, and this match has done much to affirm that saying. United went up by two goals early, the Italian with a powder keg of a foot, Simone Bracalello hit a low driving shot from outside of the box to take United into the lead. A mere six minutes later Pablo Campos scored from a slick volley, after a eighty-yard punt downfield from Matt VanOekel in goal.

With a two goal cushion, United sat back with ten men behind the ball and allowed Carolina's dangerous trio in attack to threaten. This would ultimately be their demise as Carolina left it late, but ultimately decisive. United gave away a penalty in the first half, but still went into the break on top.

A change of tactics in the second half showed Coach Manny Lagos's desire to hold what they had. Slowing down the game with substitutions such as the experience head of Aaron Pitchkolan, seemed to work for a while, as Kentaro Takada was also solid in the center of the park, but it was Carolina's desire to regain first place that dragged them back into contention.

Two goals in quick succession from the League's top striker, Brian Shriver in the 86th, and 88th, proved the dagger in the heart for United, as the tables ironically turned, now on the receiving end of a last minute winner, contrasted to Campos's stoppage time winner against the Strikers of Ft. Lauderdale a fortnight ago. RailHawks Coach, Colin Clarke acknowledged his team's performance and their determination to get the points.

"In the second half, we continue to pass the ball well as we did and created more chances and got the goals we needed. We deserved to win today we were the better team."

With the loss tonight, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies win over the Atlanta Silverbacks, United are leapfrogged by the Rowdies and sit in fourth place on fourteen points. Carolina regains first place from the Silverbacks, and after tonight's performance are good value for it.

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