United FC gameday
7 P.M. VS. SAN ANTONIO NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER STADIUM, BLAINE • CH. 45
Preview: Minnesota United FC makes its home debut one month since its ownership group received a Major League Soccer franchise. A near sellout is expected at the 8,500-seat stadium.
United FC at a glance: Seems the Loons' offense prowess didn't make it through customs last week. Minnesota (0-1-1) managed zero shots on goal in the first half of a 1-0 loss at Ottawa. "Last weekend was not acceptable," said coach Manny Lagos, whose team is without a goal in its first two games. "We have higher standards for how we expect to play. I think this is a group that will respond well." Outside defender Kevin Venegas (knee) is questionable. Brazilian midfielder Ibson, one of United FC's key offseason signings, is expected to miss four to six weeks (foot). Redemption is on players' minds, veteran defender Brian Kallman said. "We still haven't put together a full game of playing good soccer," he said. "We are that good, and we're going to show it on Saturday."
San Antonio at a glance: The defending North American Soccer League champion Scorpions (0-2) have opened the season with two consecutive home losses. They squandered a 1-0 second-half lead last week in a 2-1 loss to Indy Eleven. Striker Omar Cummings has scored once in each game.
David La Vaque
