Preview: The Loons (1-1-0) and Indy (2-0-1) face off in a rematch of last Saturday's game in Indianapolis, which the Eleven won 1-0. Christian Ramirez missed a first-half penalty for Minnesota, and a bad turnover by Loons winger Lance Laing led to Dylan Mares scoring the lone goal for Indy in the 78th minute. It was the second time this year that a late Indy goal clinched a win vs. United.
Head to head: The teams are tied 4-4 in the all-time series. Indy has won the past three but has never defeated Minnesota in Blaine, where the Loons are 3-0-0.
About United: The Loons host a friendly against AFC Bournemouth of the Premier League on Wednesday, then play a regular NASL home game against Fort Lauderdale next Saturday. It's a chance for Minnesota to make a move in the season-long standings, where it has fallen to fourth. The only other time this season that United played two consecutive weeks at home, it won both games without conceding a goal. … Left back Justin Davis made his 150th appearance for United last week, a franchise record. Right back Kevin Venegas is a distant second, with 105.
About Indy: Indy, the NASL spring season champion, has yet to lose a league match in 2016, with six victories and seven draws. The Eleven has scored almost half of its 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of games, and hasn't allowed a goal in that same span. It's a testament to the team's high levels of fitness and confidence this season under new coach Tim Hankinson. That fitness will be put to the test this week. The Eleven defeated Fort Lauderdale 3-0 Wednesday at home while Minnesota was idle.
JON MARTHALER
