NASL Minnesota United FC

United Rescues Point in Edmonton

Published on May 3, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton
Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton
(Minnesota United FC)

EDMONTON, AB. (Sunday, May 3rd, 2015) -- A fast start and man advantage helped Minnesota United to a 2-2 draw with FC Edmonton. Miguel Ibarra scored in the 2nd minute to give Minnesota the early lead but two second half goals would tip the scales in the Eddies' favor. United was able to level the match in the final minutes with a penalty kick scored by Jamie Watson.

United got off to a very fast start for the first time this season before the clock reached 1:30. Ibarra made a run down the left edge of the box to play a cross to forward Christian Ramirez who was crashing the net. An Edmonton defender blocked the ball back to Ibarra, who tapped his own rebound to get the very early lead for Minnesota.

The score would stand for the rest of the half, but Edmonton held the advantage in momentum. Minnesota struggled to get the ball out of its own end for most of the first half due to heavy pressure from the Eddies' attack.

Edmonton was able to level the score after a free kick was given outside the Minnesota penalty area early in the second half. Midfielder Lance Laing, who caused problems all afternoon for the United defense, curled the ball over the four-man wall into the top corner of the net. Goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt was able to get a hand on the ball, but it was not enough to stop the blast from Laing.

Laing would get on the score sheet once again, but this time providing the assist. Laing found himself on the break on the left side of the pitch. With only United defender Tiago Calvano to beat, Laing played the ball across goal, out of the reach of Hildebrandt, to fellow midfielder Tomi Ameobi. Ameobi slid into the net to tap home the ball, giving Edmonton a 2-1 advantage.

The drama started late as a slide tackle in the penalty area took down United defender Justin Davis, and the referee awarded Minnesota with a penalty kick. An argument with the referee saw Edmonton's Daryl Fordyce get sent off with a red card as Watson lined up for Minnesota. Watson slotted home the penalty and went in to grab the ball and was pushed by Edmonton keeper (and former United player) Matt VanOekel, causing a shoving match between the teams.

Despite the man advantage and several opportunities, Minnesota couldn't complete the comeback, but were forced to settle for a draw.

United returns home this Saturday as it hosts the Atlanta Silverbacks at NSC Stadium for Soccer Mom Appreciation Night presented by Carousel Motor Group. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. so get your tickets today by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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



Images from this story

Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton
Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton
   



North American Soccer League Stories from May 3, 2015


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