RECAP | United 1, Rowdies 0

Photo Credit: Minnesota United

Minnesota United continued its dominant run on Saturday night. The Loons extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games with a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at NSC Stadium.

"It was a physical game tonight," United head coach Manny Lagos said. "We knew we were playing a team that really needed points to move up the table, and I think we managed the game well."

The two sides certainly got off to a physical start, with several players going down injured. A knock to Juliano Vicentini forced United to make a first-half substitution to bring on Alejandro Vela.

The physical play also cost the Rowdies late in the first half. Defender Ben Sweat, already on a yellow card, took down Vela just outside the penalty area, away from the ball. The foul resulted in a second yellow card, which sent Sweat on an early trip to the locker room.

United used its extra man to get momentum going into the second half. An odd-man break allowed defender Kevin Venegas to play a cross in front of the Rowdies goal. The ball deflected off the back of a Rowdies player and fell to the feet of Christian Ramirez, who tapped the ball home to score his 11th goal of the season and give Minnesota the lead.

The second half quieted down a bit for both teams. Minnesota nearly doubled its lead several times, but Rowdies ‘keeper Matt Pickens was up to the task. Kalif Alhassan was able to beat Pickens on a shot from distance, but the ball rattled off of the frame of the goal.

Tampa Bay made a push in the final minutes to try and equalize, but United's defense stood strong to keep a clean sheet.

"I think the guys were a little frustrated we didn't create more to get the second goal," Lagos said. " It's important we keep getting better as the season goes on so we can get in the playoffs and win the championship."

The victory moved the Loons into the top spot in the Combined Standings, and within striking distance of the Fall Season title.