united fc gameday
7 P.M. VS. JACKSONVILLE ARMADA • CH. 45 NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER STADIUM, BLAINE
Preview: Jacksonville Armada FC (3-2-1), an expansion team sitting in third place in the North American Soccer League spring season standings, makes its inaugural trip to fourth-place Minnesota United FC (2-1-3).
United FC at a glance: Minnesota has won its past two matches. A 3-1 victory at Indy Eleven marked United's best offensive output of the spring season. Kalif Alhassan, Justin Davis and Juliano Vicentini each scored their first goals this season. Davis (outside defender) and Alhassan (midfielder) were selected to the NASL team of the week. The news wasn't all positive, however. Midfielder Jamie Watson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee during the match and will miss the rest of the season.
Jacksonville at a glance: Armada FC plays on the road for the second consecutive week. Though unable to win away from home (0-2-1) so far this season, the Armada came back to tie Atlanta 1-1 last week. Forward Alhassane Keita scored his team-best third goal in that game and was named to the NASL team of the week. "I don't think they'll sit back," United defender Justin Davis said. "They've never played up here, so if we come out strong, I think we'll be all right." One player knows the landscape. Midfielder Lucas Rodriguez played in Minnesota from 2010-13, making more than 60 appearances, notching seven goals and winning the 2011 NASL championship with the then-Stars.
David La Vaque
