Minnesota United in need of soul searching following 1-0 loss to Armada
By Dakota Case
With the Fall Championship out of reach, Minnesota United is in a fierce battle with Tampa Bay and Miami for the fourth and final playoff spot in the overall standings.
A goal by Justin Davis (43′) and a ball off the pipe by Jamie Watson (35′) were just two of a number of prime chances for Minnesota United in the first half against Jacksonville. It was an opening frame marked by an aggressive Minnesota attack, and a defensive corps determined to stifle any similar attempts from the visiting side. Danny Cruz, Ibson, Watson and Davis were all over the pitch, forcing turnovers and generating scoring chances at every opportunity.
The biggest chance for the Armada came late in the half on a ball fired just wide of the left post. Sammy Ndjock dove to make the save, thankfully none was needed. The clubs finished the first 45 in a scoreless tie, with Minnesota controlling the play 56% of the time, and Jacksonville out-shooting them 5-3.
Minus an early drive by United, the Armada attack made for a much more even final 45. The Loons did manage several header attempts deep in the visiting end, but the best chance of the half came in the 71st minute when Christian Ramirez was stripped of the ball by a sliding tackle in the box. Minnesota was unable to convert on the resulting corner.
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Stefano Pinho came on in place of Cruz to start the 77th minute, followed by Ben Speas for J.C. Banks three minutes later. Almost immediately following, Ramirez had his second great chance of the half, just missing a header from Watson for the tap-in. United skipper Aaron Pitchkolan took a yellow on a necessary block in the 84th minute, ensuring either only the ball or the attacking player (not both) would be able to get by him.
However, the Armada finally found the back of the net in the 88th minute off a free kick attempt as Matt Bahner collected the ball and fired it hard into the back of the net. Minnesota received a corner opportunity in the 90th minute, and missed another golden chance immediately following, but couldn’t connect.
It’s an all too familiar story for Minnesota these days. A club that hardly has a weakness on paper once again gets stunned late by a team it allows to hang around and get back in the game. It’s frustrating for a team looking to build up and ride the wave of excitement into its first season in the U.S./Canadian top flight. Even more so for the die-hard fans. United til they die, they may be, but there’s no question supporters would love to add a NASL championship feather to the organization’s hat.
The good news? Both Tampa Bay and Miami drew 1-1 tonight, meaning they’re only tied with Minnesota in the overall standings at 36 points instead of one being ahead. With five games remaining, and just two at home, every game is a must-win, especially with Carolina and Ft. Lauderdale nipping at United’s heels with 33 and 32 points, respectively – both with a game in hand.
The Loons also face the Rowdies and Railhawks in two of their three remaining road games, meaning Minnesota’s playoff hopes could be dashed before the October 29th finale against the league-leading New York Cosmos. Considering United also plays third-ranked FC Edmonton and pesty Puerto Rico FC, those hopes could be out the window even sooner.
Up next for the Loons is a visit to Tampa Bay for a mid-week clash with the Rowdies on Wednesday, October 5th, at 6:30 PM CT. If Carl Craig’s lads are to make one last stand, it begins there.