NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Opens Preseason Play against MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers

Published on February 21, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United in Training
Minnesota United in Training
(Minnesota United FC)

PORTLAND, Ore. - With little more than a month to go before the start of the 2016 North American Soccer League season Minnesota United will open its competitive preseason play against the reigning MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers. With an expected sellout crowd, the Loons will look to begin 2016 on a high note. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. CST at Providence Park. Fans can follow all the action live at www.mnunitedfc.com

"We'd like to test what we've done over the last few weeks and to get an idea of what we've got in terms of players and what positions they can play and what they can do on the field and for fitness," said Minnesota United Head Coach Carl Craig. "We're looking to give two thirds and a third, with practically a whole shift coming off at 60 minutes and a new shift coming in at 60 minutes."

Minnesota United has brought in seven new players for the upcoming season. Along with the new faces, 14 players have returned from last year's squad and several trialists have also made the journey to Portland for the tournament. Craig plans to give the players a full opportunity to perform on Sunday and throughout the week, evaluating each performance.

With three matches against MLS competition in seven days the Loons will look to test themselves as they prepare for the start of the NASL season on April 2nd against the Carolina RailHawks.

Full Minnesota United Travel Roster:

Goalkeepers: Sammy Ndjock, Kristian Nicht, Aaron Perez

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Brent Kallman, Damion Lowe (trialist), Chris Ritter (trialist), Kevin Venegas, Anthony Wallace (trialist)

Midfielders: Bernardo Añor, Andrei Gotsmanov, Ibson, Greg Jordan, Lance Laing, Daniel Mendes, Aaron Pitchkolan, Anthony Walls (trialist), Juliano Vicentini, Jamie Watson

Forwards: J.C. Banks, Danny Cruz, Stefano Pinho, Christian Ramirez, Ben Speas

Catch all of the preseason action throughout the Simple Invitational in Portland at www.mnunitedfc.com and follow along live on twitter @MNUnitedFC and @mnunitedgameday. Streams will be live at kickoff, with United matching up against the Timbers at 7 p.m. CST on Sunday, February 21st.

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Minnesota United in Training
Minnesota United in Training
   



North American Soccer League Stories from February 21, 2016


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