Minnesota United Looks to Extend NASL Unbeaten Streak to 7
July 25, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release
Minneapolis, Minn. (Friday, July 25th, 2014) -- Minnesota United FC (2W, 0T, 0L, 6pts) looks to get back to the top of the North American Soccer League Fall standings as it faces the Altanta Silverbacks (1W, 0T, 1L, 3pts) Saturday night at Altanta Silverbacks Park. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch all the action live at NASL.com/nasl-live.
"The games are going to be tough for us because all our opponents know they are going to be up against the Spring Champions," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "There is a lot for us to be wary of, but at the same time I think we should be going in with some confidence about what we have been doing as a team this entire season. We need to make sure we bring that to the field on Saturday in Atlanta."
Scoring four goals through the first two games and maintaining a clean sheet in both of the Fall Season matches, United has shown solid form from every position on the field. The strength of this United side derives from the composure and power of its two Brazilian center backs, Tiago Calvano and Cristiano Dias. Both have had nearly flawless matches to open the season and communicated well with United goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt has been a consistent starter for United since Matt VanOekel sustained an ankle injury in the Spring Season, getting his first start against the Atlanta Silverbacks on May 31. Including the Swansea City friendly, Hildebrandt has not conceded a goal in three games.
"It's been a good mixture of good defense and goalkeeping. The quality of the back four and the midfield and even the defending from the front has really set up to navigate the different types of teams that we have played," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "I think it culminated with a nice moment against Swansea last Saturday. We have to remind ourselves that this stuff doesn't come from just stepping on the field, but from the work you put in at training and the focus going into the game. There is no doubt we will be tested this weekend, especially with the change due to the Justin Davis red card and suspension."
With the San Antonio Scorpions winning midweek against the Carolina RailHawks, United will need to secure three points to remain atop the the NASL Fall Season standings.
Join the team for the official watch party at Brit's Pub and Eating EstablishmentSaturday, July 26. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The match will be streamed with a subscription on NASL Live. The next opportunity to watch United soccer live is August 2, during the Manchester City vs. Olympiacos - Minnesota United FC vs. Ottawa Fury FC doubleheader. One ticket allows fans to experience both matches. Get your August 2nd tickets here today!
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North American Soccer League Stories from July 25, 2014
- FC Edmonton to Face Indy Eleven Sunday, July 27 - FC Edmonton
- U.S. WNT Match against Switzerland at WakeMed Soccer Park, Sold Out - North Carolina FC
- Silverbacks Host NASL Spring Season Champion Minnesota United FC on Saturday - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Minnesota United Looks to Extend NASL Unbeaten Streak to 7 - Minnesota United FC
- FCE Match Preview & Press Notes: vs Indy Eleven - FC Edmonton
- Match Preview: RailHawks Host Ottawa Fury FC - North Carolina FC
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