RECAP | United 0, Cosmos 0

Photo Credit: Minnesota United

It was a back-and-forth battle on Saturday night as the NASL's top teams, Minnesota United and the New York Cosmos, fought to a 0-0 draw in front of 9,418 fans at NSC Stadium. With first place on the line, both squads put on impressive attacking displays, but neither team was able to get an advantage.

"It felt more like a playoff game tonight," United head coach Manny Lagos said. "The crowd was really into the game. I think there were moments that we could've taken over the game, but couldn't find the goal."

A fast-paced first half started off with physical tackles from both sides, but opened up as time went on. New York struggled to hit the target in the first half despite spending a lot of time in the Minnesota end. United's best chance came close to halftime. After several attempts, defender Justin Davis connected a cross with forward Christian Ramirez just outside of the Cosmos' goal. Though he made contact, Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer was able to make a sprawling save.

Minnesota got off on the front foot in the second half, throwing players at the Cosmos goal. New York put on pressure of its own, but once again struggled to find the frame of goal.

United was able to find the back of the net on two occasions, but the goals were waved off. The first came off a scramble in front of goal that was knocked in by Daniel Mendes while on the ground, but handball was called. The second was a close offside call on Ramirez, who beat Maurer with a settled shot from the left side as the flag went up.

Late in the game, United put an onslaught of chances on the New York goal. Ramirez, Alejandro Vela, and Pablo Campos were able to pull the trigger in front of goal, but their efforts were just off target.

The final whistle blew with nothing to separate the NASL's top two teams, but fans showed their appreciation for United's performance.

"This place continues to be one of the coolest and unique places in the country to play soccer," Lagos said. "I give a lot of credit to our fans for getting excited and pushing this team forward. We may not have gotten the result we wanted tonight, but both players and fans can hold their heads high for the effort they made tonight."