Preview: Minnesota has put more shots on target than its opponents for eight consecutive matches, yet has not scored in the past 270 minutes of action (excluding an own goal against Puerto Rico). Forward Christian Ramirez said players have crunched the numbers and still have faith. "We have six more home games and 14 overall, and I think 30 [additional fall season standings] points is manageable," he said. "We've shown we can get hot and make a run at it." … Tampa Bay lost more than just the match at New York. The Rowdies took a 2-0 lead 14 minutes into the match, but the Cosmos were later awarded two penalty kicks, both converted by Adam Moffat. New York's David Diosa scored the winner in stoppage time. Defender Darnell King is suspended for the Minnesota match after being shown a red card in the second half. Assistant coach Raoul Voss is also suspended following an ejection.

Players to watch: Joe Cole scored the Rowdies' first goal in New York, pulling even with Georgi Hristov for the team lead with five goals this season. Cole also leads the Rowdies in assists with four. PC made his first start for the Rowdies against the Cosmos and had a goal and an assist. … For Minnesota, Ramirez leads the North American Soccer League with 12 goals.

Last time out: Tampa Bay blanked Minnesota 2-0 on May 28 at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine.

Injuries: Minnesota coach Carl Craig said defender Damion Lowe (lower-body injury) should be available to play.

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