5 Things You Need To Know:
1.) Following opening week loss Carolina Railhawks, United looks to rebound strong against Edmonton FC
- Following a spectacular goal by Christian Ramirez to start the game, the Carolina Railhawks went on the offensive scoring 2 goals in the first half. New comer Stephano Pinho also had a chance to salvage a 1 point on the road with a late goal scoring opportunity that sailed over the cross bar. One of the main focuses from the Loons will be ball movement. Last week, costly turnovers (20)defused forward progress into the attacking third. With a revamped Eddy defense, United should see a few good looks at goal early.
2.) Christian Ramirez dazzles with long ball goal against in first half of game against Railhawks.
- In case you missed Christian Ramirez stunning first half goal during last weeks match here is your chance to relive it.https://youtu.be/tv6HQ7xEK1Q?t=19s
3.) Edmonton FC struggled in opener against Rayo Oklahoma with only 6 shots on goal, none of which were on target
- In recent, EFC has had one of the more consistent defenses, and that proved to hold up in their first game against newcomer Rayo OKC. But even with a stingy defense Edmonton struggled to move the ball on offense only recording 6 shots on goal compared to Rayo’s 17. This match up could prove to be a defensive battle but if the Loons can create early scoring chances, they have a likely chance of taking 3 points in this outing.
4.) Matt VanOekel, and Lance Laing playing against former teams.
- Edmonton Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and Loons midfielder Lance Laing both face former clubs in this meeting. Laing played with the Eddy’s from 2013-2015, while VanOekel left the Loons following the 2014 season. In his first game MN U, Lance played a total of 30 minutes, and touched the ball 25 times.
5.) Last game on the road before home opener, April 16th vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Saturday’s match marks the last of a two game road trip to start the 2016 campaign. April 16th the Loons open up a 2 game homestand against Fort Lauderdale (April 16th) and defending NASL champions New York Cosmos(April 23rd). Both teams finished top 4 in the 2015 NASL combined season table, and New York started of the new campaign with 3 points following their 3-0 win against Ottawa FC.
