Christian Ramirez's goal, in the last minute of extra time, gave Minnesota United FC a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Fury, the new team in the North American Soccer League, on Saturday afternoon before an announced crowd of 3,457 at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Ramirez scored in the 97th minute for United (2-0) off a free kick by Kevin Venegas, who floated the ball to the far post. Ottawa goalkeeper Devala Gorrick misjudged the ball, and it fell to Ramirez, who headed the ball goalward.
"It felt amazing just to reward our team effort in that fashion to be able to take three points again on the road that we felt we deserved," said Ramirez, who also scored the winner in United's 2-0 win last weekend at San Antonio. "Credit to all our guys on continuing to fight."
The game was called immediately following the ensuing kickoff.
"We have the huge challenge of being the villain in the first-ever home game for an entire franchise," United coach Manny Lagos said before the game. "It's a great event for them and a great challenge for us to see if we're up to the task."
United's Miguel Ibarra, all alone on the top of the box, scored into the side of the net in the 37th minute. Ramirez had an assist on the goal.
The Fury (0-2) tied the score 1-1 early in the second half, in the 50th minute. Vini Dantas scored on point-blank header.
