NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Remains Undefeated, Earns 3-2 Win over Indy Eleven

Published on May 3, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Blaine, Minn. - Minnesota United FC (4W-0D-0L, 12pts) remains undefeated and on top of the North American Soccer League (NASL) standings after a 3-2 victory over Indy Eleven (0W-2D-2L, 2pts) at National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, MN.

Minnesota scored four goals in the first half against Indy Eleven, although only three were in the opposing net, taking a 3-1 lead at the National Sports Center Stadium. Christian Ramirez would find the net in the 23rd minute followed by a Daniel Mendes goal in the 25th. Simone Bracalello netted an own goal in the 42nd minute that was quickly followed by a cracking strike from 22 yards out by United captain Aaron Pitchkolan.

"I thought we played really well. We gave away a couple soft goals, but I think we really kept them at bay," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "You can feel a bit bad about the goal at the end, but I think the guys should be really proud of what they've done, two wins at home and to start the season off 4-0 is great. I'm really proud of them, there shouldn't be a bad taste from this. The reality is they found a way to win again today and we could've gotten a few more goals, but that's the sport."

The game began fairly evenly, with Indy winning two early corners but failing to put anything on goal. Minnesota responded well against the pressure, but seemed content to sit back and play a counter attacking style when going against the stiff wind.

The complexion of the game changed drastically in the 22nd minute as Simone Bracalello-the hero of last week for the Loons-made an incisive run down the left flank to the endline and put a soft ball on the ground across the box. Daniel Mendes was in perfect position, but seemed off balance and side footed a shot heading wide. Luckily for him, Christian Ramirez was perfectly positioned to turn his mistake back on goal, putting the Loons up 1-0.

The excitement had yet to subside before United struck again. Simone Bracalello broke early into space and drew in the entire Indy defense and goalkeeper Kristian Nicht. He calmly passed the ball to Daniel Mendes, flying in on the counter from the right, who could not help but score on the empty net. In the span of three minutes, Minnesota had broken up what had been a fairly even game.

It seemed as though Minnesota would hold their advantage going into the halftime whistle, but it turned out there was a lot more in the game. Indy's pressure eventually paid off in the 42nd minute, although in an unexpected way. Eleven forward Pedro Mendes put a dangerous cross across goal and Simone Bracalello was unable to check his run and accidentally blasted the ball into his own net.

The unexpected own goal galvanized United to make up for the mistake. A minute into stoppage time, Miguel Ibarra made a superb run down the left, then cut back and dribbled to the corner of the box. Waiting at the top of the box was Aaron Pitchkolan who slammed the shot past Nicht into the top corner of the net to return the two goal cushion to the Loons heading into halftime.

Eleven made immediate changes at the start of the second half to attempt to right the ship. Star Brazilian midfielder Kléberson was subbed on, and in the 59th minute, Indy head coach Jurgen Sommer again went to his bench to bring on Don Smart. But the additions struggled to make an impact after their introduction, with credit going to United's defense, especially centerback Tiago Calvano, who made a number of one-on-one stops.

United first went to the bench in the 71st minute, putting Greg Jordan on in the place of Juliano Vicentini, who was starting his first game after a groin injury suffered in week two. Indy made their final sub in the 73rd, replacing Dylan Mares with Corby Moore. United made a second sub in the 87th minute, replacing Simone Bracalello with Jamie Watson.

Again, the game seemed to have settled into a state of equilibrium, but Indy would net a consolation goal at the end through another optimistic attack. A lobbed ball into the mix was accidentally handled by Justin Davis on the way down, earning Eleven a penalty kick. Kléberson stepped up, and drilled the ball into the left corner. His initial effort was called back, however. Forced to retake, the World Cup veteran went the other way instead to bring the score to 3-2. However Eleven could not get a chance to silence the home crowd in the minute that followed, and the lead held for the Loons.

The win gives Minnesota 12 points through four games to start the 2014 NASL Spring Season, and ensures another week with uncontested control of first place. United next travels to New York to play the sliding Cosmos in a match loaded with playoff implications for both teams.

"I think we've got to absorb the things we've done well and take pride in the fact that we've managed to start the season undefeated," said Lagos. "Now going on the road it's going to be a huge test. Definitely the Cosmos will be ready for us and we have to really embrace getting better this week. I think we're getting better every week and progressing and this is going to be no different. The only chance is that we've got 9 days instead of 7."

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