NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Sets Record in 6-4 Victory

November 2, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Tampa Bay, FL - In a match that saw a franchise-record 6 goals, Minnesota United FC (6W-2T-6L, 20pts) won 6-4 over the Tampa Bay Rowdies (5W-5T-4L, 20pts) in front of 4,319 at Al Lang Stadium Saturday night. Omar Daley led the way with three goals and an assist, while Brazilian Striker Pablo Campos scored twice for his 12th and 13th goal of the year.

"I'm just really proud of the guys," said United head coach Manny Lagos. "Boy did we attack well today, in both halves we came out flying. We really attacked and created a lot of chances, it was important for our guys to really push themselves and they did and I'm proud of them."

In an up-and-down, back-and-forth match, United managed a franchise-record six goals, three of which from the boots of former Jamaican international player, Omar Daley. Daley's hat trick is the first for the Minnesota United FC franchise.

Minnesota struck early and often using the speed of wingers, Daley and Miguel Ibarra, along with the strength upfront provided by Brazilian Pablo Campos, who finished second in the NASL Fall Season with 13 goals after his two goal night.

Daley was was the star of the match and particularly the first 45 minutes. He assisted on the first goal of the match in the 10th minute, crossing the the back-post run of Floyd Franks, who powered the header home to give United the 1-0 lead.

Daley scored his first of the match just seven minutes later, darting down the right wing and firing an acute angled shot past Rowdies keeper Diego Restrepo in the 17th minute.

Minnesota entered the halftime locker room up 2-0 and Lagos knew there was still work to be done: "We came out hard and created some good chances offensively. We know we have to keep our focus and come out strong in the second half."

The second half started well for the Rowdies as they pulled one back in the 53rd minute when former United striker Etienne Barbara showed his strength and bulldozed his way into the the Minnesota box forcing a penalty call from the referee. Luke Mulholland stung the direct shot into the right side netting, making the match 2-1.

Minnesota regained the two goal lead in the 60th minute as Miguel Ibarra was played open on the left wing and found Campos inside the box. The initial shot was saved by Restrepo, but Daley was there for the blazing put-back, bulging the back of the net with an emphatic finish for his second goal of three goals on the evening.

Aaron Pitchkolan found the scorers sheet for the wrong reason in the 65th minute as he was caught wrong-footed and deflected a Rowdies shot into his own net for the own goal, making it a one-goal game at 3-2 with 25 minutes remaining.

Neither club slowed the scoring down as United yet again regained a two-goal cushion in the 71st minute after a Rowdies corner was cleared quickly to Campos, who dribbled from inside his own half and attacked the Rowdies defense, gaining momentum and opening the defense for the left footed finish for his 12th goal on the season.

The Jamaican, Daley, scored his hat trick in the 83rd minute on a deep chip over the out-rushing Diego Restrepo. United sub Mike Ambersley assisted the goal as he utilized the quick counter attack through ball that left Daley with only the keeper to beat as he calmly flipped the ball over Restrepo's head from 30 yards out.

Evans Frimpong scored twice in the remaining 10 minutes, but Campos sealed the win with a penalty in the 90th minute, firmly placing him second in the NASL Golden Boot race with 13 goals in the 2013 season.

Campos finishes the season leading the team in goals with 13 and tied with Simone Bracalello with five assists. Carolina forward Brian Shriver also scored twice tonight to finish the season with 15 goals, two ahead of Campos in the 2013 Golden Boot race for top scorer in the NASL.

United finished the 2013 season strong, winning consecutive games while scoring nine goals. Don't miss a moment of the action next year! We are now accepting 2014 season ticket deposits for just $50! Head to MNUnitedFC.com or call 763.4SOCCER to learn more about the season ticket holder benefits and to place your deposit.

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North American Soccer League Stories from November 2, 2013


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