7 p.m. vs. Fort Lauderdale • Ch. 29
Gameday preview: United vs. Fort Lauderdale
July 23, 2016 at 3:26AM
Preview: Minnesota (2-1) hopes to earn a second consecutive North American Soccer League victory after an upset against Indy Eleven last week. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale (0-3-1) yearns to get into the fall-season win column. Both teams played on Wednesday and are playing their third match in eight days. Minnesota dropped an international friendly against AFC Bournemouth while the Strikers fell in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals to the Chicago Fire. "We'll probably just have to grind through it," Minnesota's Justin Davis said. "It might not be the prettiest, but hopefully we come out on top."
Players to watch: Defender Jorge Luis Corrales, who joined the Strikers two weeks ago, has international experience, having earned 34 caps for the Cuban national team. Maicon Santos leads the Strikers with four goals. Minnesota's Christian Ramirez found the back of the net twice in six minutes last weekend vs. Indy Eleven. He leads the NASL with 10 goals. Will Saturday mark goalkeeper Steward Ceus' debut in a league match? The backup showed well against Bournemouth and could replace Sammy Ndjock against Fort Lauderdale.
Numbers: Minnesota enjoyed a man advantage starting in the 21st minute of its 3-0 victory against the Strikers in May. The Loons responded with two goals before halftime.
Injuries: Standout Loons defender Kevin Venegas will miss the match after undergoing successful surgery for a meniscus injury in his left knee.
david La Vaque
about the writer
Marshon Lattimore, Za'Darius Smith, Mike Williams, Preston Smith and Tre'Davious White were sent to winning teams. Jonathan Mingo and Khalil Herbert are going to a place where they'll play more.
