What: Minnesota (4-3-2) at Carolina (4-1-4), 6 p.m. Saturday. Live broadcast online at MNUnitedFC.com.

Preview: Three games remain on United's schedule as the first half of the North American ­Soccer League's two-part season nears an end. The team wants to move from third place to first and an assured spot in the league championship in the fall. United needs to leapfrog second-place Carolina.

United FC at a glance: Coming off a bye week, United is rested, refocused and finally closer to full strength. Aaron Pitchkolan, Etienne Barbara, Max Griffin and Simone Bracallelo could play Saturday; Connor Tobin and Miguel Ibarra are doubtful. The return of Pitchkolan, one of the team's key veterans, should help shore up United's midfield.

Carolina at a glance: The RailHawks have the NASL's most potent scoring threat in forward Brian Shriver. Midfielder Cesar Elizondo and forward Ty Shipalane shared NASL player of the week honors after having a hand in three of the RailHawks four goals last week.

DAVID La VAQUE