Minnesota United FC and Jacksonville Armada FC played to a 0-0 draw in a 94-degree midday game. The heat slowed the play of the game from the first whistle as both sides traded long periods of possession with a few dangerous forays into the attack.
Coming off a much needed win on Wednesday, Minnesota looked to continue their undefeated streak against Jacksonville in the first of three games away from the National Sports Center.
Minnesota made two changes to the starting line up from their 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies earlier this week. Tiago Calvano started at center back in place of Aaron Pitchkolan — who moved into midfield for the absent Juliano Vicentini — and Lance Laing got the nod in place of Ismaila Jome on the left side of the midfield.
The first half began slowly as the two sides attempted to get accustomed to the high temperature. There were a few shots in the early minutes, but Minnesota failed to find the target on offense while their defense continued to block Jacksonville’s attempts.
In the best chance of the day for either team, Laing found Ibson at the corner of the box in the 28th minute. Ibson took a touch before firing in a right-footed shot, but was unable to get enough bend, allowing the keeper to punch the ball clear. This would be the only shot on goal of the game.
In the 42nd minute Calvano had a good look at goal after Pitchkolan nodded down a corner from Ben Speas, but despite being unmarked, Calvano was unable to pick out an opening through the crowd in front of goal and his shot was blocked at the top of the six yard box.
The second half started much like the first as the teams traded periods of possession with the occasional push into the attack, but neither could break through the opposing defense.
After the hour mark, Minnesota looked to add fresh legs to the midfield by bringing in Jome for Laing and Danny Cruz for Jamie Watson.
The playing conditions got tougher for Minnesota in the 77th minute when Ibson was sent off after he left his foot in the air after playing the ball and put his cleats into the hip of Kevan George.
Minnesota used their final substitution in the 86th minute to bring on Brent Kallman for Speas. Though brought on to be a defensive presence and to help see the game out, Kallman nearly found Danny Cruz at the top of the box, but Cruz’s shot was blocked.
The game was far from exciting, but a solid defensive showing by Minnesota gave the team its second straight shutout and a rare point away from home.
MATCH REPORT:
Starting XI:
MNU (4-2-3-1): Ndjock, Davis, Calvano, Lowe, Brovsky, Pitchkolan, Ibson, Laing (Jome 65’), Speas (Kallman 86’), Watson (Cruz 68’), Ramirez
JAX (4-2-3-1): Gallardo, Bahner, Ruthven, Jerome, Otte, George, Maripuu (Scaglia 84’), Johnson, Sandoval (Steinberger 68’), Eloundou, Keita (Millien 77’)
Scoring Summary:
none
Discipline:
MNU: Watson (caution) 43’
MNU: Ibson (caution) 43’
MNU: Ibson (ejection) 77’
JAX: Bahner (caution 82’)
Attendance:
2,516
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