Minnesota United FC v Ft. Lauderdale Strikers - Revenge Game
June 7, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (June 7, 2013) - Minnesota United FC faces the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers this Saturday at the Metrodome, and this time it's personal. Coach Lagos and the boys will be enacting operation "Defend the Dome," seeking revenge on their 2-1 defeat to the Strikers back on May 11. Head coach Manny Lagos on this critical match - "It's that time of the year where every game matters for us. We have been dealing with a lot of injuries and trying to navigate a lot of parity in the League to get results. Tomorrow is huge for both sides and certainly for us. We are looking forward to a great challenge and stepping out on the field with the energy and effort required to get the result."
It took a mere 2 minutes for the Strikers to open the scoring last time around, but with the roar of the home crowd out to watch United at the Metrodome for the last time this regular season, defeat is not an option. Having played all of their home games in downtown Minneapolis, United will play for their fifth and final time at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
Chances presented themselves in the first meeting between these two teams, in an electric spectacle, both literally and figuratively as there was a lengthy lightning delay last match; "We had our chances, no doubt about it," said head coach Manny Lagos. "The first half took it out of us. We had our chances in the second, but credit to Fort Lauderdale, we couldn't pull it out."
Niceties may be shared pre-match, but when 7:00 pm CDT roles around on Saturday June, 8, don't expect to see the teams-separated by only 4 points in the league-play nice. United come into this match off the back of a difficult away defeat to the San Antonio Scorpions, and after going down early again, United will know that defending solidly and resolutely early in the game is important. Taking their chances is a feature of United's play that needs improvement. For having one of the highest shot tallies in the league, United's shots on goal is lacking. The Strikers come into Saturday's game in last place and with the worst goal difference in the league. Taking advantage of this fact is key if United wants to solidify their shot at the playoffs.
We urge all Minnesota United FC fans to come out to the Metrodome this Saturday and be apart of "Defend the Dome" for the last time. There will also be a book drive at the game for the non-profit Read Indeed, fans are encouraged to bring in books to help founder, 13 year old Maria Keller reach her goal of donating 3 million books. If you donate five books, you will receive one free ticket to the match.
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North American Soccer League Stories from June 7, 2013
- Eddies Continue to Earn Air-Time - FC Edmonton
- Minnesota United FC v Ft. Lauderdale Strikers - Revenge Game - Minnesota United FC
- RailHawks Host Defending Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Head Indoors to Face Minnesota on the Road at Metrodome Saturday - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Legends to be Honored at Cosmos Opening Day - New York Cosmos
- Scorpions Sign Fabrice Noel - San Antonio Scorpions
- First-Place Silverbacks Host FC Edmonton - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Rowdies News and Notes - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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