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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United to Face Sporting KC U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round

June 14, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


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

SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- After defeating Saint Louis FC two weeks ago in its first match of the 2016 U.S. Open Cup, United kicks off at home against MLS side Sporting KC this Wednesday for a chance to progress forward in the historic tournament. The match begins at 7 p.m. CDT on Wednesday at NSC Stadium in Blaine. Fans can watch the action live on MY29 and streaming at www.mnunitedfc.com.

"Hopefully we have a big crowd and an opportunity to regain a bit of favor with our fan base, because not only did we let ourselves down [in the NASL Spring Season], but our fans have been brilliant and got behind us every game at home," said United Head Coach Carl Craig.

The Loons and I-35 neighbors Sporting KC are two clubs familiar with one another. United met Sporting two years ago in the U.S. Open Cup, falling out of the tournament that day after defender Cristiano Dias was sent off early in the second with a red card. That controversy has since grown into a silent rivalry, as the clubs have met in closed-door offseason scrimmages as recently as last year. For the Loons, this Wednesday's match is a chance to prove that it can play with MLS sides and compete for North American championships.

Possibly as important as who is available for Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday is who they will be missing. Both Matt Besler and Graham Zusi are currently on international duty with the U.S. National Team in Copa America play. As such, neither will be available in Sporting's first match of the U.S. Open Cup. The team, as a whole, should be relatively healthy, as the club has not played a competitive match since June 2nd. Rested legs should help against Minnesota United, with the Loons playing just four days earlier.

Both teams know what is at stake in this Fourth Round matchup-the opportunity to host the next round of the U.S. Open Cup and Midwest bragging rights. It has been four years since United beat an MLS club in Open Cup play, that win coming in 2012 against Real Salt Lake. After a disappointing Spring campaign, this Wednesday's match is an important one for United as the team builds confidence for the 20-match Fall Season.

"We've got the one game, if we've got a second game here in Minnesota-which hopefully would attract a big crowd with another MLS club-I think our fanbase deserves it and I think we need to show some desire and fight and a little giveback to the ownership group and fans," said Craig.

Wednesday's Fourth Round matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. CDT. Follow along online on YouTube or watch locally on MY29. Tickets are also available HERE.

Minnesota United Match Details

Kickoff: 7 p.m. CDT

Date: June 15, 2016

Opponent: Sporting Kansas City

Broadcast: MY29

Online: YouTube

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Minnesota United in Action
Minnesota United in Action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from June 14, 2016


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