When Minnesota United FC walked onto the field at the National Sports Center Thursday night, there wasn't a whole lot at stake for the team.
It was already out of contention for the spring season title before the well-attended matchup with the Atlanta Silverbacks.
And with the exception of the first 25 minutes of the game, Minnesota battled as if it had nothing to play for.
"Tonight was one of the tougher nights I've had certainly in this facility, as a coach or player," Minnesota coach Manny Lagos said after his team's 3-0 loss. "Disappointing is an easy word to use."
United had multiple shots on goal in the first five minutes of the opening half, one of which required Atlanta goalkeeper Joe Nasco to make a diving save.
Minnesota (4-6-2) appeared to control the game for the next 20 minutes, keeping the ball on its opponent's side of the field. But continued attempts at getting on the board first came up short each time.
About 13 minutes in, United midfielder Michael Reed took a free kick just outside the penalty box, but Nasco made a leaping grab to prevent the goal. Ten minutes later, forward Max Griffin received a pass in front of the goal and attempted to head it in, but he missed.
With 20 minutes left in the half, Atlanta (6-3-3) had its first near-score of the game on a cross-field shot from Borfor Carr, the ball narrowly missing the left post. Just five minutes later, however, the Silverbacks got on the board when midfielder Pablo Cruz took a free kick from the left side of the field and Brad Stisser punched it in with a header.
