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NASL Minnesota United FC

United Advance to 4th Round of U.S. Open Cup to Face Reigning MLS Champions Sporting Kansas City

May 28, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Des Moines, IA (Wednesday, May 28th, 2014) -- Minnesota United FC advances to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Des Moines Menace at Valley Stadium in Des Moines, IA. An 86th minute strike from second half substitute Christian Ramirez would prove to be the difference. United is now set to face reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Champions Sporting Kansas City, June 18th at Sporting Park.

"I'm proud of the guys, I thought it was a really hard game and I thought we played well early and could have scored a couple early on," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "We knew it was a big game and the pressure can sometimes take a toll on your finishing, we hit several posts and crossbars, won a ton of corner kicks, so I felt good about that part of the game. I thought we dominated the last 20 minutes of the game."

Minnesota United was the clear favorite entering the match against the USL Pro side. United dominated the ball and possession throughout the match, constantly probing the Menace defense, looking for openings. The attacking action started early for Minnesota as forward Mackenzie Pridham rifled a low driving shot past the Menace post in the 10th minute. Pridham and Floyd Franks would have a second crack at the opening goal in the 14th minute, but failed to urge the ball over the goal line.

United midfielder Franks continued to control the middle third of the field with driving runs and space-opening passes. Mozzi Gyorio would nearly put the Loons in front as he blasted a fantastic 25-yard effort off the crossbar. Minnesota would dominate possession throughout the first half, but were unable to convert and entered the locker room at the half all square at 0-0.

Minnesota came out in the second half much the same as the first half, dominating possession and maintaining play with smart controlling passing throughout the middle of the field.

United midfielder Jamie Watson nearly put the Loons in front in the 59th minute that drew a fantastic athletic save from the Menace goalkeeper. The 63rd minute would draw some disdain from the home crowd as Minnesota defender Cristiano Dias appeared to handle the ball in the box, drawing the flag from the linesman, but the center ref waved the potential penalty off. The Menace would not hesitate and fired a deep shot off the Minnesota goalpost, nearly putting the home side on top.

United pressed the Menace defenders for the final 20 minutes of the game, continuing to put pressure on the flanks and through the spine of the defense. United connected with the post twice in the final 15 minutes and the game appeared ready for extra time.

It would fall on to the boots of the North American Soccer League's leading scorer, forward Christian Ramirez to give the Loons the win and advance. Jamie Watson drove the ball hard at the Menace defense in the 86th minute, forcing a defender to take a wild swing at a clearance, that fell to the feet of Ramirez who calmly poked the ball past the outstretched keeper and into the back of the net to give the Loons the lead for good.

The Menace threw everyone forward for the final 4 minutes, pressing the United defense, but they would hold strong and maintain the 1-0 edge.

"I think tonight we had a lot of guys who hadn't played a lot of minutes and they stepped in and did a good job," said Lagos. "We all knew that if we won we would face a very good club in the defending MLS Champions, Sporting Kansas City. It was an important night for us."

Minnesota United will face Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup June 18th. United returns to NASL action this Saturday as they head to Atlanta to face the Silverbacks. Depending on other results around the League, United has the potential to clinch the NASL Spring Crown. Join fellow Loons supporters at the Official Watch Party at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis.

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