NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United to Face Eddies in Tough Road Test

Published on April 8, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC in Action
Minnesota United FC in Action
(Minnesota United FC)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - United will look to rebound after an opening week loss to the Carolina RailHawks as the team travels to Canada to face FC Edmonton on Sunday, April 10 at Clarke Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CDT - fans can watch all the action live on MY29 TV and ESPN3.

All-time against Edmonton, Minnesota United is 5-9-4 with all four losses coming away from home. The Loons leave Minnesota Friday to prepare for kickoff on Sunday, giving the club extra time after landing to adjust. This was a useful strategy last season, with the Loons drawing 2-2 away from home against Edmonton in early May.

Despite scoring a stunning goal in the first three minutes of play against Carolina last weekend, Minnesota struggled getting the ball up the pitch to striker Christian Ramirez. Mistakes and turnovers with the team pushed far forward resulted in two counter-attacking goals and created a deficit that the Loons were unable to overcome. Ramirez says the team needs to continue to do the positive things right and use those as building blocks as the season progresses.

"I think we need to keep building on the good moments that we had, Edmonton is well known for their defensive shape and discipline so we need to make sure that we do keep the ball and be aggressive going forward," said Ramirez. "But, at the same time respect their counter attack and how they play."

Head Coach Carl Craig echoed that sentiment, saying the cheap giveaways in the midfield and defensive ends of the pitch are a recipe for disaster against speedy teams like FC Edmonton. The Eddies are one of the youngest teams in the NASL, with players who spend stints internationally playing for their youth national teams. In addition, FC Edmonton has several streaky wingers who can cause problems in behind defenders.

"We gave the ball away with no real pressure and we gave it away in areas that the team was stretched out and in an attacking shape," said Craig about last weekend's match. "When you're stretched out and ready to attack and give the ball away without any pressure, that's a recipe for wonderful things for the offense and disaster for the defense."

Keeping the ball is priority number one for the Loons, looking to implement a new high-pressure offense this season. When it's clicking, Minnesota is easily the most potent team in the NASL, with players like past golden boot winners Christian Ramirez and Stefano Pinho, alongside Lance Laing, Kevin Venegas, Justin Davis and a handful of others that have made a name for themselves in the league and around the country as goalscorers.

"We're just going to keep building on our system," said Ramirez. "I know it's a new system going forward, so we just need to believe in it and move in the right direction to make sure that we're sharp and crisp in the final third."

Minnesota United Match Details

Kickoff: 3 p.m. CDT

Opponent: FC Edmonton

Broadcast: MY29, ESPN3

Watch Party: NorthGate Brewing

Next Home Match:

Catch Minnesota United live at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine on April 16th at the United home opener. Tickets are available today HERE. The Loons kick off against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in their third match of the 2016 NASL Season.

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Minnesota United FC in Action
Minnesota United FC in Action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from April 8, 2016


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