NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Finishes Regular Season with 2-2 Draw in Carolina

Published on November 1, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


CARY, NC. (Saturday, November 1st, 2014 ) -- Minnesota United came back to secure a late 2-2 draw against Carolina, knocking the RailHawks out of contention for The Championship. A record-tying goal from Christian Ramirez and a late own goal was enough for United to secure a point from the match.

Carolina put on heavy pressure throughout the opening half, and dominated possession. It took the RailHawks just over 20 minutes to open the scoring with a strike from Nacho Novo. After a goal from Connor Tobin was disallowed, Carolina marched right back down the pitch. Novo played a give-and-go with Ty Shipalane to open up space. Novo then placed the ball past United goalkeeper Matt VanOekel to make it 1-0 in favor of Carolina.

A power outage before the second half delayed the match for a half hour, but when play restarted, Minnesota took control. Christian Ramirez was able to level the match for United with a goal in the 52nd minute. After a quick counter attack, Greg Jordan found Ramirez outside the Carolina penalty area. Ramirez curled a shot to the bottom left post to score his 20th goal of the season.

Carolina took the lead back with 15 minutes remaining. Alex Martinez crossed from the end line and found Nazmi Albadawi open near the goal line. Albadawi took the first touch to beat VanOekel, making it 2-1.

Minnesota looked like it was out of the match but a goal from an unlikely source would even the scores once again. Defender Kevin Venegas curled a cross towards goal in a late offensive push. Carolina defender Connor Tobin was able to get to the ball first. However, the former United player directed it back into his own goal. United was right back in the match with a few minutes left, but couldn't get the last goal to secure the win as the the match ended 2-2.

Minnesota United opens postseason play next Saturday in the semifinals of The Championship against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at National Sports Center Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. CT. Fans can tune in live on KSTC45-TV and NASLLive.com. For tickets and information visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets or call 763.4SOCCER.

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