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NASL Minnesota United FC

United Opens Fall Season with 3-0 Shutout Win in Ft. Lauderdale

July 12, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Minnesota United FC opened its North American Soccer League Fall Season with a 3-0 victory Saturday night over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium in Florida. Goals from Daniel Mendes, Miguel Ibarra and Christian Ramirez helped earn a big three points for Minnesota.

"Coming in at halftime I felt the scoreline wasn't what we were looking for and we had to put a little more effort into certain areas of the game," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "We came out in the second half and made some adjustments and had an outstanding second half. I'm very pleased with the away result in the first game of the season and I know we still have work to do to get better."

Minnesota tried to set the pace of the match early on, having several dangerous attempts including an early chance by midfielder Miguel Ibarra from the top of the box that nearly gave Minnesota the lead just 9 minutes in. His curling effort to the far post was tipped wide by Strikers keeper Kamil Contofalsky, making his NASL debut.

It took 23 minutes for the scoring to open up. Minnesota earned a corner kick after a Daniel Mendes cross was blocked to the right of the goal. United defender Justin Davis took the corner, looking for Mendes on the near post. Contofalsky dove to punch the ball away, but it deflected off of Mendes and went back into the net to give United a 1-0 lead.

Fort Lauderdale went on the offensive for most of the remainder of the half, putting heavy pressure on the United goal that required keeper Mitch Hildebrandt to make some athletic reflexive saves. Several excellent chances by the home team were denied by the acrobatics of Hildebrandt, including back-to-back-to-back stops against Martin Nunez, Jenison, and Shawn Chin late in the first half.

The second half saw Minnesota get off to a fast start and not look back. United tipped the possession back in their favor and took advantage by releasing a salvo of shots on the Fort Lauderdale goal. Minnesota forward Christian Ramirez took sole possession of the NASL lead in goals when he finally beat the Strikers keeper on a tap in, doubling Minnesota's lead in the 59th minute. Davis put in a low cross through the box that found the foot of Ramirez as his slid in and buried the chance.

The goal gave the visitors a boost of confidence that Miguel Ibarra used to seal the victory for his side in the 78th. A failed clearance by Strikers defender Rafael Alves was blocked by Ibarra, who then dribbled around the keeper and slotted home and easy shot to give Minnesota the 3-0 lead.

The Strikers continued to press in the latter stages and a few late defensive lapses by United gave Fort Lauderdale dangerous chances at goal. Hildebrandt was able to preserve his clean sheet with several diving saves and a goal line stop. A solid effort on both sides of the pitch keeps United atop NASL standings.

Minnesota United heads to National Sports Center Stadium to open its 2014 NASL home schedule as it faces the Carolina RailHawks on Thursday, July 17th . Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. The match will be streamed live on NASLLive and tape-delayed on KSTC-45TV for Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Following Thursday's League match, Minnesota United welcomes English Premier League team (EPL), Swansea City - the first EPL team to ever play in Minnesota - when the clubs face off in an international friendly, Saturday, July 19th at National Sports Center Stadium. The match is set to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information call 763.4SOCCER or visit www.MNUnitedFC.com.

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