6 P.M. at OTTAWA • Ch. 45
Gameday preview: United FC at Ottawa
The preview of United FC at Ottawa.
Preview: Minnesota (2-2-3) travels to Ottawa (6-0-1) to face the Fury, the top team in the North American Soccer League fall season standings. The Loons lead the league in goals (30) and hope to end the Fury's 12-match unbeaten streak at TD Place.
United FC at a glance: Another lead, another letdown for the Loons last week at home against FC Edmonton. Minnesota's one-goal lead in the second half ended in a 1-1 draw. Stealing a match at Ottawa could spark a run of victories crucial to Minnesota's postseason vitality. "We are presented with a great challenge on the road against one of the best teams in the league right now, and this is one of those games to build into what type of team we are and what kind of character we have," coach Manny Lagos said. Minnesota United is 1-0-1 against Ottawa this year. "They're organized and they've had a good run, but all good runs have to come to an end so hopefully that's the case on Saturday," midfielder Aaron Pitchkolan said.
Ottawa at a glance: Ottawa is hot, having won a league-best five consecutive matches. The Fury has been strong defensively this season, conceding just 14 goals in 17 matches. During that stretch, Fury goalkeeper Romuald Peiser went nearly 700 minutes without letting in a goal. The streak was broken when Ottawa visited NSC Stadium earlier this fall and Christian Ramirez beat Peiser for a goal. Peiser leads the NASL in wins (eight), shutouts (eight), saves (43) and goals-against average (0.82).
Kevin O’Connell reiterated his confidence in QB Sam Darnold after a three-interception, zero-TD performance as new kicker Parker Romo’s four field goals and stout defense lifted the Vikings to 7-2.