united gameday

7 p.m. Vs. CAROLINA • National Sports Center, Blaine • Ch. 45

Preview: This is Minnesota's final home game of the spring season, before finishing with two road matches. United (5-1-0) leads the NASL but needs a victory against Carolina (3-2-1) to feel confident in its chances to take home the championship. Fort Lauderdale and New York are each only three points behind in the standings.

United at a glance: Center back stalwart Cristiano Dias left last week's game after knocking heads with an opponent. But he has passed all concussion protocols, returned to practice and will be available for Saturday's game. Australian international Richard Garcia, who was announced as United's newest signing for the spring season, is still unable to get clearance to come to the United States. It's unlikely he will play in any of Minnesota's spring games.

Carolina at a glance: Though the RailHawks are unbeaten in their past 19 home matches in all competitions, they've also won just once in their previous 19 road games. Unfortunately for Minnesota, that one victory was in October at the National Sports Center.

JON MARTHALER