Gameday preview: United at Ottawa
April 18, 2015 at 5:28AM
2 P.M. AT OTTAWA• TD PLACE, OTTAWA • TV: CH. 45
Preview: Minnesota, after a scoreless tie at Tampa Bay last week, takes on Ottawa in the Fury's home opener. United FC arrived in Ottawa on Thursday.
United FC at a glance: Though unable to score, Minnesota kept a clean sheet at Tampa Bay. Central defender Tiago Calvano earned a spot on the North American Soccer League team of the week. A big international match shook up United FC's preparation this week. Coach Manny Lagos attended the U.S. men's national team's 2-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday in San Antonio, where he watched Loons' midfielder Miguel Ibarra play most of the second half. Forward Pablo Campos expects the team's potent offense to emerge: "As the season goes along, I guarantee we'll have a better rhythm."
Ottawa at a glance: Fury FC began the season with a loss and a tie on the road, falling behind 2-0 at Carolina and squandering a 1-0 lead at Atlanta. Goalkeeper Romuald Peiser was named to the NASL team of the week for his effort against the Atlanta. "They are pretty aggressive and direct," Minnesota assistant coach Carl Craig said. "We can expect them to come to us." And Minnesota can expect it to be loud at the recently renovated 24,000-seat TD Place.
David La Vaque
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Gophers coach Keegan Cook and standout Julia Hanson understand the team must be consistent now if it wants to become an NCAA tournament host for the first time since 2022.
