UNITED GameDAY
What: Minnesota United FC (3-3-2) vs. Fort Lauderdale (2-4-2), 7 p.m. Saturday at the Metrodome. Live broadcast available online at www.mnunitedfc.com.
Preview: Heading into its final Metrodome game, Minnesota can ill afford a loss if it hopes to stay in the chase for first place. With 11 points, Minnesota is two out of first and three above last place. Fort Lauderdale won 2-1 when the teams played May 11, putting the first blemish on United's record. Minnesota is tied for first with 13 goals scored but tied with Fort Lauderdale in most goals allowed (13).
United FC at a glance: United gave up a first-minute goal in last week's 2-0 loss to San Antonio, which is tied for last place with Fort Lauderdale. Minnesota fell to 1-3 in its past four NASL games. … Forward Simone Bracalello was named NASL Player of the Month in May. But coach Manny Lagos listed Bracalello as "unlikely" to play Saturday because of injury. … Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has started the past three games.
Fort Lauderdale at a glance: The Strikers have won and tied in their past two NASL matches, their first two-match unbeaten streak in league play this season. … Scott Gordon scored in the first half against Carolina last week, tying him for the team lead with two goals. … Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, who made his debut in the first United game and helped improve the defense, is rejoining Real Salt Lake of the MSL. The Strikers allowed eight goals in four NASL games before his arrival and just five in four games since.
DAVID LA VAQUE
