United gameday
6 p.m. at N.Y.Cosmos Shuart Stadium TV: ESPN3
Preview: Minnesota's victory last weekend, coupled with a San Antonio tie, moved the Loons into a tie for first place atop the North American Soccer League fall season standings. Saturday's match at New York provides Minnesota a chance to avenge its only loss of 2014.
United FC at a glance: Minnesota (5-0-1) is unbeaten in its past 10 league matches. The Loons lead the NASL in both goals scored (15) and fewest goals allowed (five). Forward Christian Ramirez earned his second player of the week award in the past three weeks for a two-goal performance against Indy Eleven — highlighted by a bicycle kick goal that went viral. Ramirez has scored a league-leading 12 goals in 15 matches this season.
New York at a glance: After getting edged by Minnesota for the spring season title, the Cosmos (2-3-2) have struggled to regain their form in the fall season. New York is coming off a 3-1 loss at Tampa Bay and is tied for fifth in the standings. Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese, whose club has won all three previous matches against United by 1-0 scores, said, "This is a crucial game for us, and we can't wait to play it."
DAVID LA VAQUE
