United gameday
7 P.M. vs. New York • National Sports Center Stadium, Blaine • Ch. 45
Preview: Minnesota, the North American Soccer League spring season champion, is nearing a trifecta. A victory Saturday, coupled with a San Antonio loss, gives United (10-2-3) the fall season title and No. 1 seed for the playoffs as well.
United FC at a glance: Rebounding from a rare shutout, Minnesota won 3-2 on Wednesday at Tampa Bay on the strength of two goals by Christian Ramirez. He leads the NASL with 19 goals, one shy of the league single-season record. Midfielder Miguel Ibarra, who trained with the U.S. men's national team and saw action in one friendly match, returned to the Loons in time to play a reserve role at Tampa Bay. United has a 12-match unbeaten streak at home.
New York at a glance: The Cosmos (5-4-6) head into Saturday as capable party crashers. Since joining the league, New York, the defending NASL champion, is 3-0-1 against Minnesota. The teams tied 1-1 on Aug. 23 at New York. The Cosmos have gone 3-1-3 since.
DAVID LA VAQUE
