After a disappointing tie against Ottawa last Saturday, the Loons fell to third place following a Carolina loss. Had United kept the affair 2-1, the team would be sitting in first place owning the tiebreaker against New York.

For most of the game United controlled the ball winning the possession battle 52/47. Christian Ramirez continues to dominate scoring an early goal in the 13’ minute. But Ottawa even the score with 3 minutes left in stoppage team. Early on in the game, Minnesota controlled the ball before the Fury came storming back.

This week, the Loon take on Jacksonville Armada FC who currently sit in the second to last position ahead of Ottawa. United can get back on track in quest of a Spring title, but most capitalize against the lower table teams. A Loons win could catapult the squad to first place should the Railhawks and Cosmos fail to register a win.

Here are 5 Things You Need to Know:

1.) Minnesota United has the most potent attack in the NASL.

• Currently, Christian Ramirez and Ben Speas lead the league in goals scored. Ramirez perhaps had the highlight of the season scoring the game winning goal in a decisive 1-0 victory against New York. Speas was a pivotal addition to United’s attack adding both international and MLS experience. The latter will be key come next season when the team makes the jump to the top league.

2.) How will United’s defense respond following a late game defense letdown vs Ottawa FC

• Heading into stoppage time United head a 2-1 lead, and almost certainly had 3 points secured. But a late goal by Marcel de Jong left the side settling for one point against a last place Ottawa Fury. The Loons finally broke a 1-1 tie in the 75’ after Kevin Venegas fed Ben Speas for the go ahead goal.

3.) Jacksonville is the lowest scoring team in the league.

• Armada FC are currently second in the league in shots on goal but cant seem to register goals. The side on has 3 goals on the season. Armada have struggled in the last two match being shut out against Edmonton and OKC. Matt Banner currently holds all 3 goals for the team

4.) Minnesota United Stadium reaches another benchmark this time in the legislature.

• As construction begins on the $150 million stadium for the Loons, drew closer to accomplishing that with a major legislation decision. The owner group is looking for pivotal tax exemption on the property, and construction materials as the bill heads to conference committee. The stadium is expected to open in time for the 2018 season. Next season the Loons will most likely play at TCF Bank, home of the Gophers and Minnesota Vikings the last 2 seasons.

5.) Ramirez misses cut for the US Mens National Team

• After receiving praise from USMNT head coach  Jurgen Klinsmann, Christian Ramirez failed to make the preliminary cut for the national teams Copa America squad. The 25 year still has a chance to make the squad as World Cup Qualifiers continue and the 2018 tournament a little more than two years away. If this pace continues Ramirez will exit the league as the top forward in the NASL the last two seasons.