NASL Minnesota United FC

United Moves to Top of the Table with 2-0 Win

Published on May 14, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (Saturday) -- A dominant first half propelled Minnesota United to a comfortable 2-0 win over the Jacksonville Armada in front of 8,861 fans at National Sports Center Stadium Saturday night. Early goals by Kevin Venegas and Stefano Pinho put the Armada on their heels, allowing Minnesota to claim three crucial points in the race for the Spring Championship. The Loons are now 3-0-0 at home in 2016, shutting out all three opponents.

"It wasn't our greatest performance but the key is to get the points and we got the three points," said United Head Coach Carl Craig. "We didn't seem to be clicking. The passing was sloppy and I thought we tried to force the ball a little bit too much. I think there's a lot more football in us, but it really is about the results and for us to get that makes me happy. "

It was all Minnesota in the opening half, with the home side having free reign over the pitch. With lots of open space on the outside edges of the pitch, the Loons launched an aerial barrage on the Jacksonville goal. The ball fell favorably for United on nearly every chance, creating lots of scoring opportunities in the early minutes.

A great passing sequence between Christian Ramirez and Kevin Venegas opened up a shooting lane for Venegas. The technically gifted defender saw the far post was unguarded, allowing him to curl a perfectly placed shot into the top corner of the net. Craig praised Venegas' effort after the game.

"Venegas was so composed on the finish. We've seen him get into those positions and slash at it [the ball], but today he composed himself and it was absolutely brilliant. He'll be up for goal of the year with that one."

With the assist, Ramirez ties the club all-time assist record, currently held by Venegas and Simone Bracalello, with 13. Venegas tied the record last week in Ottawa.

The Loons doubled down 12 minutes later after a defensive breakdown by the Armada. A blocked cross fell perfectly for Bernardo Añor, who was able the dribble in tight and play the ball through the box. The ball took a deflection off a Jacksonville defender and landed at the feet of Stefano Pinho who slammed home the shot to get his first goal in a United jersey.

"It was a brilliant finish by Pinho," exclaimed Craig. "He puts it in every day from that range."

The play shifted as Jacksonville began to push back in the second half. The Armada played mainly on the counter, looking to catch the Loons at a disadvantage in the back. While they were able to push deeper into Loons' territory, they did not generate many shots with only two on frame.

United also struggled to finish in the second half despite being able to break down the defense on nearly every chance. Once again much of the attacks came from the outside and were worked with crosses. Defender Justin Davis set up one of the better Minnesota chances off a give and go with Pinho. Davis had a clear lane to drive the ball through the Armada box with Ramirez running in to meet it. Ramirez lunged forward, trying to get his head in the way to send the ball in the net, but missed by the narrowest of margins.

Injuries plagued Jacksonville with several players needing attention. Second half substitute Junior Sandoval needed to be stretched off by the training staff shortly after entering the match after a collision going for a header. This forced the Armada to use another precious substitution that they would have like to bolster their attack late in the match.

United emerged victorious after a strong 90 minutes of play, earning its fourth win and fourth clean sheet of the year. With the win the Loons move on top of the NASL standings, and could remain there pending the result of tomorrow's FC Edmonton vs. New York Cosmos match.

Minnesota looks to keep its five game unbeaten streak alive as it heads to face Indy Eleven next Saturday, a team that has not yet lost this season. United returns home on Saturday, May 28th to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 p.m. Secure your seats for the match by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 14, 2016


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