PREVIEW | RailHawks vs. United

Minnesota United didn’t get their first ever victory against the New York Cosmos last Saturday, but they did play well – holding a lead for over 80 minutes and defending strong for most of the match. It is a result the Loons will look to build on as they transition from the Spring Season into the Fall Season.

With just two matches remaining in the Spring Season, the Loons (3W-4D-1L, 13 points) are six points out of first with a chance to move up the table and move three points short of the New York Cosmos by winning on Saturday. While there is an outside chance the Loons could still lift the Spring Season trophy, their focus remains on an NASL title in November and their next opponent, the Carolina RailHawks.

“We have had a good four weeks of soccer – it's going to be a good matchup. They do some stuff well, and we do some stuff well,” Minnesota United head coach Manny Lagos said. “It's appropriate that right now it's two teams that are near the top of the table.”

OPPONENT

The RailHawks (3-4-2, 13) are a patient team that won’t be pushing the pace of the match. They work the ball up the field with short, diagonal passes, and move forward as a unit. This organization makes them difficult to score against, but doesn’t always allow for a lot of chances on net. Carolina values possession over attempts on net.

Defensively, they run a flat back four that works to catch attackers offside. The RailHawks are happy with letting opposing defenders move the ball back and forth in their own half, and choose to defend and cut off passing lanes when the ball moves into midfield. To beat Carolina, a team has to be quick passing through the center of the pitch and transition from defense to offense without hesitation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Pablo Campos – Scoring his 50th goal in league play this past Saturday, United forward Pablo Campos extended his NASL scoring record and will look to add to that tally on Saturday. Campos has been important in forcing turnovers and finishing plays in the final third for the Loons and is playing with a ton of confidence.

Kevin Venegas – Named to the NASL Team of the Week for the first time this season, United right back Kevin Venegas provided the pass that led to Minnesota’s lone goal against the Cosmos last Saturday. Venegas has been good pushing forward, but will need to be aware and not get caught too far forward against an organized Carolina team this weekend.

Akira Fitzgerald – Carolina goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald rejoined the club this May after starting the 2015 season in MLS with New York City FC. Fitzgerald has been one of the more challenging goalkeepers to compete against for several years in the NASL.

Tiyi Shipalane – Leading the RailHawks in assists (3), midfielder Tiyi Shipalane is dangerous in the attacking third. With plenty of speed and good vision, he provides Carolina with a constant threat going forward.

MATCH PREVIEW – MINNESOTA UNITED AT CAROLINA RAILHAWKS

Carolina did not look entirely dominant against Jacksonville last weekend, but took full advantage of their chances, tallying four goals against the NASL newcomers in the first half of play, then tightening up their defense and holding the Armada FC attack off in the second 45 minutes of play. The RailHawks are a team of NASL veterans who know what it takes to win and won’t make any big mistakes. With both teams playing good soccer at the moment, it should be an exciting match this Saturday in Carolina.

“They're coming off a great road win, 4-0, in Jacksonville. They have a lot of good players that have been in the league, and a couple who have been on our team,” Lagos said. “We have a lot of respect for them, and they've had a very good run of form these last couple of weeks.”

United enters Saturday’s match in good form itself, with three wins and two draws in the last five matches and unbeaten in six league matches. United striker Pablo Campos leads the league in goals with four, and what problems the Loons had finishing early this season have been sorted out. That, coupled with a veteran back line led by Tiago Calvano, has made Minnesota one of the most difficult opponents for teams in the NASL.

Carolina won’t force the play, but will take advantage of mistakes made in the Minnesota half, so it’s important for the Loons to take care with their possession and push the pace of the match.

Minnesota United is missing its star midfielder this weekend. Miguel Ibarra was called up to the U.S. national team for two European friendlies early this week. Ibarra has been essential in the Loons’ attack in 2015, providing assists and finishing chances. Other players will need to step up with him away to fill that gap in the midfield.

Minnesota United kicks off against the Carolina RailHawks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 6.