Minnesota United's Spring Championship hopes came to an end on Saturday night as it drew 1-1 with the Carolina RailHawks. J.C. Banks got his first league goal for Minnesota while Nacho Novo leveled the match for the RailHawks.
Neither team was able to find the target in the opening half, but Minnesota was able create several chances. United found open space in the Carolina penalty area, but was unable to get off a quality chance.
The second half saw Minnesota take more chances and it paid off early. Pablo Campos received a pass on the end line and found midfielder J.C. Banks at the top of the penalty area. Banks' shot deflected off a defender and beat Carolina RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald to give United the lead.
The lead stood for more than a half hour until the RailHawks struck back. Tiyi Shipalane was able to sneak in behind the Minnesota defense and play a cross into the penalty area. The cross connected with Nacho Novo, who headed the ball to the bottom corner of the net to tie the match.
Novo's night would end early though, as six minutes later he was seeing red. After winning the ball, Minnesota defender Juliano Vicentini was taken down from behind by Novo. The referee wasted no time reaching to his back pocket to produce a red card and send Novo to the locker room early.
Despite the man advantage, Minnesota was unable to regain the lead and the match ended 1-1. Though United continued its unbeaten run, its unable to win the Spring Championship again this season.