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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Finishes Spring Season with 3-1 Win

June 11, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. - Minnesota United closed out its Spring Season with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Miami FC. Three second half goals from three different goal scorers led the Loons to victory in front of the 9,102 faithful at NSC Stadium.

"To get the early goal [after halftime] was wonderful and it was a lovely goal at that," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "We scored and there was a bit of belief. I talked to many of the fans during the week and they said, 'We need to get the ball up quicker'. We did that to the detriment of our football, so there needs to be a balance between getting the ball forward and then possession. We grinded out three goals against a quality side, and that's exactly what this match was, a grind."

There wasn't much to separate the two sides in the first half. Miami pressed United early trying to force turnovers. The United back four stood strong and set up counterattacks for the Loons, which was the main avenue of attack for the first half.

Miami's high press nearly paid off midway through the opening 45 when Ariel Martinez was played in onside after a turnover. Martinez chipped the ball over a sprawled out Sammy Ndjock, but his shot pinged off the crossbar. Defender Brian Kallman nearly chested the ball into the United goal but made a last ditch clearance off the line. Teammate Justin Davis tried to clear the ball out of the area but Miami's Jaime Chavez intercepted the ball and fired on the empty Minnesota goal. It looked to be a certain goal for Miami, but Ndjock came flying from the far post to punch the ball away and keep the match scoreless.

United had a similar chance near the end of the half as Kevin Venegas created space on the right flank and played a low ball through the penalty area. Forward Christian Ramirez tried to redirect the ball on frame, but it took a deflection off a defender and rolled to the oncoming Ben Speas. A certain chance was once again denied, this time by the back of a Miami defender.

Minnesota surged forward at the beginning of the second half, pushing deep into Miami territory. Speas, leading the attack, settled the ball outside the Miami box, and hooked a ball toward the back post. Ramirez rose to meet the ball and powered it past goalkeeper Daniel Vega to open the scoring and end Miami's three match shutout streak.

Six minutes later, Venegas fooled the Miami defense with a quick double-cut to open up space for a cross. The driven ball went straight to the chest of Stefano Pinho, who directed the ball into the net as he was crossing the goal line.

The visitors would not go quietly, and geared up for a late push with several offensive-minded substitution. Miami would pull one back in the 66th minute with a redirect by Jaime Chavez that was tucked inside the near post after a cross from Dario Cvitanich.

Miami was desperate for an equalizer as time went on, but offsides and missed shots plagued the visitors. Former United player Pablo Campos made his return to NSC Stadium as a second half substitution, but was unable to make much happen for his team.

The result was sealed in stoppage time thanks to another brilliantly worked team goal. After a few short passes at the top of the box, Ramirez played a through ball for Ibson, who was just onside. The Brazilian buried the chance without a second thought, ensuring three points for Minnesota.

"Obviously we've got the next one coming up quickly so the confidence got here is great," concluded Craig.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 11, 2016


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