NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC Fall 2-0 to San Antonio

Published on June 1, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC fall 2-0 in a tough one. The Scorpions came out swinging and scored in the 1st minute after a Hans Denissen shot was parried by Matt VanOekel into the path of Blake Wagner; who found the back of the net. The Scorpions book-ended their performance after a great individual effort goal from substititute Walter Ramirez in the 92nd minute. Scorpions head coach, Tim Hankinson: "It was an inspired performance from start to finish. We took a lot of pressure in the second half, but it is great how players stepped up and made key plays, good tackles and blocked shots."

After going down early, United managed to regain composure and continued to put the pressure on the Scorpions' defense, who remained staunch throughout the match. Pablo Campos hoped to ruin his former club's evening with another away victory for United FC, but could not spoil the night for the opposing fans. Campos had a great opportunity to draw the sides level in the 20th minute. Scorpions keeper Pat Hannigan made the save, but was unable to continue after he collided with Campos, apparently injuring his ribs. The injury forced the Scorpions to bring in second string net-minder, Jeremy Vuolo.

The Scorpions had several strong scoring chances of their own in the 1st half, capped by a point-blank opportunity from Esteban Bayona, which was gobbled up by VanOekel on the goal-line.

United FC came out firing early in the second half, and continued to dominate play and possession, Campos had another scoring chance denied by the substitute keeper, Vuolo in the 59th minute. The Scorpions tempted to double their lead in the 66th minute after being awarded a free kick just outside United's box. VanOekel was able to dispell another scoring chance in the 86th minute after 6'6" Scorpion defender Luka Vucko rose to meet the cross and headed the ball on target.

Substitute Walter Ramirez put the game out of reach in stoppage time after a nice individual dribbling effort inside United FC's 18-yard box. Ramirez was able to find the back of the net on the tough-angled shot from the left of the goal.

United FC head coach Manny Lagos shared his thoughts on the match: "I felt we played well this game, however we couldn't come back from that opening goal. We took a big hit early and we couldn't fire back and that is the game some days. We made some team mistakes early that hurt us and we had several chacnes to score, but we didn't so at this point in the season, it has to be better in order for us to battle for first place."

United drop their first game on the road this season, they will look to regroup and get back on track next week in their final home game of the Spring Season at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrdome in downtown Minneapolis.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 1, 2013


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