NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC Extends NASL Unbeaten Streak to Eight Games at TCF Bank Stadium

Published on August 2, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minneapolis, MN (Saturday, August 2nd, 2014) -- Minnesota United FC (3W-1T-0L, 10pts) extends its North American Soccer League unbeaten streak to eight games with a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Fury (0W-1T-3L, 1pt) at TCF Bank Stadium.

"I am very proud of the guys for getting the result and proud of the movement we showed," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "It was an odd game. It was a nice day and we played good soccer early on and unfortunately by not putting chances away in the first half we were mentally hit when they scored their goal to tie it."

Minnesota got off to an early start against the Ottawa Fury at TCF Bank Stadium. A goal from United's Christian Ramirez in the 4th minute gave his side the 1-0 lead they would carry into halftime.

The goal began with a long ball down the right side of the pitch to Minnesota defender Kevin Venegas. Venegas ran to the corner and laid a perfectly weighted pass to the middle of the box for Ramirez, who was sprinting in past two defenders. Ramirez placed an easy shot past the diving Ottawa keeper Romauld Peiser to make it 1-0, good for his 8th goal this season.

Ottawa got the majority of the chances in the rest of the half, but United had the more dangerous shots. Midfielder Daniel Mendes fired point blank and struck the Ottawa crossbar.

Ottawa was fast to start the second half, getting an early goal in the 50th minute. Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, who spent last season with United on loan from the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer, cut to the inside of United penalty area and fired a shot through traffic. Minnesota keeper Mitch Hildebrandt reacted late to the curled shot as the ball found the far corner of the net and leveled the match for the Fury and gave them their first goal of the Fall Season.

It took ten minutes for United to answer, but it came with controversy and opposition from the visiting team. Vicentini made a run into the middle of the Ottawa penalty area and was pulled down by a defender. The ref immediately blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot and was immediately greeted by angry Fury players. After deliberation with his assistant, the head official awarded the penalty. A stoic Ramirez stepped up and coolly placed the ball in the bottom right corner past Peiser to net his league-leading 9th goal of the year.

United head coach Manny Lagos was thrilled for the young striker. "I am excited and very happy for him. It's nice to see a young player step up and want the penalty kick. He has been playing really well and he bagged it for us. It was a big goal for the club and a big three points."

The call caused tempers to flare up as the match went on, and frustration caused several fouls and cards to be given for both sides. The passion for both teams as the match went on was not quelled by the rain that moved in during the second half, and both teams used the wet pitch to their advantage by shooting low on the keepers.

Tiago Calvano went down late in the game with an injury and did not return before the final whistle blew. United had already make its three subs by the time the Brazilian went down, forcing United to play a man down for a few minutes.

The 2-1 final score saw United back into second place in NASL Fall standings, just two points shy of the Fall Season leaders, San Antonio Scorpions. United still remains on top of the combined table with 30 points (9W-3T-1L, 30pts), just one point clear of the Scorpions.

United return to NASL play on Saturday, August 9th back at the National Sports Center as they face rivals FC Edmonton. For tickets and information visit MNUnitedFC.com or call 763.4SOCCER.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



North American Soccer League Stories from August 2, 2014


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