NASL Minnesota United FC

Nine-Man Minnesota United Defeated by Portland Timbers

Published on February 21, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Minnesota United faced a tough test in its first match of the 2016 preseason, falling 4-0 to the reigning MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers. Two red cards left United with nine men against an experienced Timbers team, limiting the Loons' offensive chances.

"This match was test to see where we are at, and tonight we failed," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "The lack of discipline and lack of adherence to the system we set up were disappointing. Our defense got pulled apart and we gave the ball away too often in areas where we can't afford to have turnovers."

Minnesota started the game strong, showing off a high-flying offensive style that served them well last season. New United players Lance Laing and Danny Cruz had several promising plays in the opening minutes for their team. The tables turned in the 11th minute as Minnesota defender Aaron Pitchkolan tripped up Fanendo Adi in the box, giving Portland a penalty kick. Adi placed the ball inside the right post to put the Timbers up early.

Portland began to pick apart Minnesota's defense late in the half, finding lanes in front of goal. A cross from Darion Asprilla on the right side found Lucas Melano in front of goal. Melano's first effort was denied by United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock, but the Timbers midfielder smashed home the rebound to double his team's lead.

Just before halftime, Minnesota suffered a big loss as defender Tiago Calvano was sent off. After sliding challenge from behind on Diego Valeri, the referee showed Calvano a red card, leaving the Loons a man down.

United brought on a few different players at halftime and the new combination began to generate some chances for Minnesota, with Daniel Mendes keeping Timbers keeper Adam Kwarasey on his toes.

The home side was still able to break through, as Valeri threaded the needle to Darlington Nagbe, who beat Ndjock one-on-one in front of goal to make it 3-0 to Portland.

Minnesota's frustration boiled over in the 62nd minute, as defender Kevin Venegas made attempted a slide tackle in the box, giving Portland another penalty and earning himself a red card. Valeri slotted home the penalty, extending the lead over nine-man Minnesota to 4-0.

Minnesota's lineup continued to adjust as the game went on, with several trialists being brought into the match. Veterans Bernardo Añor, Daniel Mendes, and Juliano Vicentini provided leadership on the field and organized the shorthanded Loons to hold off Portland and create some offense. Vicentini had United's best chance late in the game, chipping Kwarasey from an impossible angle, but his effort curled just wide of the net.

Defensively, Brent Kallman showed poise under pressure as he dealt with an onslaught of Portland attacking players, making several key tackles. Ndjock was called upon many times to deal with the Timbers offense, making many acrobatic stops.

Minnesota will will look to rebound its second match of the Simple Invitational on Wednesday night against the Chicago Fire at Providence Park. Both Calvano and Venegas will miss the match due to receiving red cards. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and the match will be available for streaming on MNUnitedFC.com.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from February 21, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central