united gameday
7 P.M. vs. Tampa Bay • national sports Center Stadium, Blaine • Ch. 45
Preview: Minnesota's 11-match unbeaten streak in North American Soccer League play ended last week at Edmonton. The Loons, winners of the spring season championship, are second in the fall season standings. They return home for two consecutive matches aiming to build momentum for the playoffs.
United FC at a glance: The Loons (5-1-2) lead the North American Soccer League in both goals scored (17) and fewest goals allowed (six). But two second-half Edmonton goals means that this season — spring and fall combined — United has conceded 12 of 17 goals against in the second half. Rookie forward Christian Ramirez won NASL Player of the Month honors for August.
Tampa Bay at a glance: Winners in three of their past four matches, the Rowdies (5-3) sit just four points behind leader San Antonio in the fall standings. The fall season champion will join United as an automatic No. 1 or 2 seed for the playoffs. Tamika Mkandawire, Darel Russell and Brian Shriver each scored twice in the past four games.
DAVID LA VAQUE
