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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Remains Unbeaten at Home in the Fall with 1-0 Victory over Rowdies

October 3, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock Makes a Stop vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies
Minnesota United Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock Makes a Stop vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies
(Minnesota United FC)

BLAINE, Minn. (Saturday, October 3rd, 2015) -- Minnesota United continued its dominant run on Saturday night. The Loons extended their unbeaten streak to ten games with a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at NSC Stadium.

"It was a physical game tonight," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "We knew we were playing a team that really needed points to move up the table, and I think we managed the game well."

The two sides certainly got off to a physical start, with several players going down injured. A knock to Juliano Vicentini forced United to make a first half substitution to bring on Alejandro Vela.

The physical play also cost the Rowdies late in the first half. Defender Ben Sweat, already on a yellow card, took down Vela just outside the penalty area, away from the ball. Referee Younes Marrakchi went straight to his back pocket to grab his red card, sending Sweat on an early trip to the locker room, leaving the Rowdies with 10 men for tenth time this season.

United used its extra man to get momentum going into the second half. An odd-man break allowed defender Kevin Venegas to play a cross in front of the Rowdies goal. The ball deflected off the back of a Rowdies player and fell to the feet of Christian Ramirez, who tapped home the ball to score his 11th goal of the season and give Minnesota the lead.

The second half quieted down a bit for both teams. Minnesota nearly doubled its lead several times, but Rowdies keeper Matt Pickens was up to the task. Kalif Alhassan was able to beat Pickens on a shot from distance, but the ball rattled off of the frame of the goal.

Tampa Bay made a push in the final minutes to try and equalize, but United's defense stood strong to keep a clean sheet.

"I think the guys were a little frustrated we didn't create more to get the second goal," said Lagos. " It's important we keep getting better as the season goes on so we can get in the playoffs and win the championship."

The victory moved the Loons into the top spot in the NASL Combined Standings, and within striking distance of the Fall Championship.

Minnesota continues its keeps its home-field advantage next weekend when it hosts the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Saturday, October 10th. The match at NSC Stadium will kickoff at 7 p.m. with the Strikers fighting for a spot in the playoffs and United trying remain on top of the league. Get your seats for this pivotal matchup by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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Images from this story

Minnesota United Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock Makes a Stop vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies
Minnesota United Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock Makes a Stop vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies
   



North American Soccer League Stories from October 3, 2015


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