Minnesota United FC had a chance to go into the final week of the spring season with a shot at the spring title. Instead, the Loons lost 1-0 to a Rayo OKC team missing many of their players due to suspensions and who had never won at home.
Minnesota was only in this position when Fort Lauderdale managed to beat the New York Cosmos 2-1 earlier on Saturday to keep the possibility of another team winning the spring alive.
The game was Minnesota’s third game in eight days and once again Minnesota featured a new look lineup which included newcomer Jack Blake making his league debut.
.@SummitBeer Starting XI
Ndjock, Davis, Kallman, Lowe, Venegas, Blake, Vicentini, Laing, Ibson, Cruz, Pinho #OKCvMNU pic.twitter.com/iz2sWv5qVa— MNUFC Match Day (@MNUFCmatch) June 5, 2016
Laing got the start out wide and Danny Cruz and Brent Kallman returned from injury. Pinho took Christian Ramirez’ place in the striker role, while Ibson saw his first time in the attacking midfield role.
Teams have discovered that Minnesota once again is struggling to break down defenses that play deep and put 8-9 players in the box. While Minnesota dominated possession in the first half, they were unable to find the final pass into the box and put the ball into the back of the net.
The second half started with two tactical subs, with both Cruz and Laing off and Añor and Speas on. Neither was able to break the stalemate.
Eventually, in the 69th minute, Rayo OKC’s Gibson was left open on the far post. His shot beat a diving Ndjock and Rayo OKC had the lead.
Minnesota’s best chance of the night came on a loose ball in the box. Second half substitute Christian Ramirez blasted a shot that was right at the keeper. The keeper was able to parry it away and a Rayo OKC defenseman headed it out of danger for a corner kick for Minnesota.
While Minnesota pushed for the equalizer as their chance at the spring title slipped through their fingers, Rayo OKC was able to hold strong and earn their first victory at home.
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