NASL Minnesota United FC

United Draws 0-0 in Fort Lauderdale, Gets Third Shutout in Four Games

Published on August 31, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


LAUDERHILL, Fla. (Wednesday) -- The Loons extended their unbeaten streak to four matches on the road Wednesday against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, with Sammy Ndjock earning his third clean sheet in four matches. Despite ample pressure on the Strikers' back four, United was unable to break the deadlock, finishing the night on a 0-0 draw.

It was a typical hot and humid day for southern Florida as Minnesota United traveled to Fort Lauderdale for its third straight match in the sunshine state this August. The Loons were off the blocks quickly, tallying the first shot of the night in the second minute of play from a corner kick. It was Ben Speas who delivered, finding Aaron Pitchkolan at the near bar. Pitchkolan flicked it toward goal, but the shot flew just wide keeping the match scoreless early.

Christian Ramirez nearly found his 14th goal of the year just ten minutes later after an Pitchkolan pass skipped off two Fort Lauderdale defenders and landed at his feet inside the Strikers' penalty area. Ramirez attempted a volley, but couldn't connect with it crisply enough as it bent off the outside of his boot away from the net.

The chance of the first half came from Jamie Watson in the 30th minute, wholly connecting with a bouncing shot from distance, surrounded by Fort Lauderdale defenders. He received the ball from Ramirez and lifted his head quickly, seeing a gap in the Strikers' goal. There was no hesitation as he swung his leg for the shot and sent the ball dipping toward the top corner of the net. The ball struck the crossbar where it meets the upright and deflected back to Jack Blake who attempted a shot, but hit it off net.

Fort Lauderdale was denied its best scoring chance of the evening in the 40th minute when Sammy Ndjock got a firm hand on Adrianinho's shot from just inside the top of the box. Adrianinho received the ball crashing into the box and hit the shot hard and high on net. Ndjock was strong with the reflex save, raising his arm to intercept the shot and parry it wide.

The first half ended with United holding a six to four edge in shots and the teams splitting possession 50/50. The Loons would have to wait eight minutes in the second half to earn their seventh shot, and second on net of the night-with Jack Blake bending a free kick over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a wall with some distance to cover. Lance Laing earned the free kick, while Blake stood over the ball and lined up his shot. He delivered a dipping strike, forcing a save from Bruno Cardoso at the near bar.

Carrying his solid form into the second half, Watson nearly pulled the Loons ahead in the 66th minute. After beating a defender, Watson was in on net with all defensive pressure coming from inside. He unhinged a shot with his laces bending away from the 'keeper toward the inside of the near bar. A fantastic effort from Cardoso kept the match even at zero, but the Loons were ramping up pressure for the final 20 minutes of play.

In total, United created 12 scoring opportunities on the night, with three shots on net. Building pressure and pushing forward throughout the match, a good goalkeeping night from Cardoso kept the Loons off the scoring sheet.

Following a long road trip, United is back at home this Saturday. Kickoff for that match is slated for 7 p.m. CDT. You can get tickets for that match and beyond now at mnunitedfc.com/tickets. Purchase a partial plan today to get MLS priority for the 2017 season or place your 2017 season ticket deposit online today and reserve your spot at TCF Bank Stadium.

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 31, 2016


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