RECAP | United 2, Strikers 1

Photo Credit: Minnesota United

Minnesota United extended its unbeaten run to 11 and secured its place in the postseason with a 2-1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Pablo Campos was involved in both goals for United, scoring once and assisting Daniel Mendes.

"It was one of the best starts we've had all year," United head coach Manny Lagos said. "We absorbed a lot of pressure in the second half, and I think we could've been a little sharper to close the game out. We knew this would be like a playoff game, and this allowed us to get in the mindset of managing a game to get a result in big games in the future."

Minnesota United got off to a flying start. The Loons put heavy pressure on the Strikers with quick, long-range attacks that punished the defenders. Justin Davis got in behind the defense and played a low cross in front of goal. Strikers goalkeeper David Meves was able to get a hand on the cross, but ended up placing it directly in the path of United forward Pablo Campos, who tapped home the easy rebound.

Minnesota used the momentum to double its lead later in the half. Campos was able to dribble past the Strikers defenders and break toward goal. He spotted midfielder Daniel Mendes crashing into the box and selflessly laid off a pass for Mendes to smash home, making it 2-0 for the home team.

As the match went on, the Loons began to bunker in and focus more on defending. Fort Lauderdale began to control the tempo late in the game, fighting to get on the scoreboard.

PC was the catalyst of the Strikers' attack, creating a majority of the team's chances. He was able to get his side back in the game after poking home a cross from Stefano Pinho and cut United's lead in half.

The Strikers pushed hard for a late equalizer, but Minnesota's defense was able to repel the attacks and hold on to get the 2-1 win. With the victory, United has secured a spot in The Championship, the NASL's four-team postseason tournament.

Minnesota United has now won eight of its previous 11 games, drawing three during the same stretch and holding a 21-9 goalscoring edge over opponents. The Loons remain the NASL's most potent offense, scoring their 50th goal on the season Saturday night. With the win and an Ottawa draw, the Loons remain in the hunt for the Fall Season crown with just three matches to play. 

Minnesota will be without key defenders Justin Davis and Tiago Calvano next match, due to yellow card accumulation.