NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Rolls Through the Armada with 4-0 Victory in Front of Franchise Record 9,412 Fans

July 15, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (Wednesday July 15th, 2015) -- Minnesota United returned to its winning form with a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Jacksonville Armada. A man advantage and a flurry of goals made for an exciting midweek match at the National Sports Center in Blaine in front of a record crowd of 9,412 fans.

"We built on the positives from our last match, and the guys responded well to the opportunities tonight," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "We've found a way to play that shows we believe in ourselves, and that we are one of the top teams in this league. The second half really showed that we wanted to end the poor form we had recently."

Minnesota got off to an early start with a surprising goal from distance. Juliano Vicentini won the ball back for United in the Armada half in the 13th minute and turned toward goal. Seeing he had space to work with, Vicentini took a rip from distance that found the top corner of the net from outside the box.

Jacksonville started to build momentum late in the half, but a red card would turn the tide. A long pass was played into the United penalty area, and goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock came out to grab it while Alhassane Keita challenged him. Ndjock couldn't handle the ball cleanly, and Keita came in with a high boot that caught Minnesota keeper in the face. Following treatment from team doctors for Ndjock, Keita was given a red card, leaving the Armada with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Minnesota took advantage of the being a man up and put in a flurry of goals in the second half. Daniel Mendes got his second goal of the season five minutes into the second half. Christian Ramirez flicked the ball over his head to set up the volley attempt for Mendes, who blasted the ball past goalkeeper David Sierra.

Ten minutes later, Ramirez would get one of his own. Ibson won the ball back for United as the Armada tried to organize a counterattack. His tackle sent the ball to the feet of Ramirez, who took a touch before firing a shot into the right half of the net to give United a three-goal advantage.

"Christian was excited," said Lagos. "He had great energy and held up the ball well, brought guys into the game, and set up chances. Very solid night for him on both sides of the ball."

United didn't let off the pressure and continued to attack the Armada goal. J.C. Banks came in for Minnesota and two minutes later played a low cross through the Armada penalty area. Ramirez let the ball pass between his legs, throwing the defense off guard. This set up a clear shot for Ibson who slotted a low shot into the bottom corner to seal the match for Minnesota.

The 4-0 victory ties Minnesota's franchise record for largest margin of victory.

Minnesota welcomes Liga MX side Club León and former player Miguel Ibarra on Saturday July 18th for an international friendly. You can secure your seats to both matches by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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North American Soccer League Stories from July 15, 2015


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