US Open Cup 3rd Round
Saint Louis FC (5-3-4) vs.
Minnesota United FC (4-1-3)
Date: Wednesday, June 1
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Venue: World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, MO
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LAST TIME OUT: Saint Louis FC took on Rio Grande Valley FC in conference match-up on Sunday, May 29th. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, extending Saint Louis FC’s undefeated home streak.
Both goals came in the second half, with Rio Grande Valley scoring first after Memo Rodriguez crossed to Jose Escalante who connected in the 69th minute.
Irvin Herrera came up big for STLFC after entering the game, scoring a beautiful goal in the 77th minute. He leads the team in scoring with six goals this season.
THE OPPONENT: Minnesota United FC suffered its first home loss of the season on Saturday, after falling to Tampa Bay Rowdies 0-2.
Injuries have been plaguing the Minnesota team, with a handful of players missing the action on Saturday. Jeb Brovsky went down in the first half after he collided with an opposing player while going for the ball and Brent Kallman would also leave the match with an injury in the second half.
Head Coach Carl Craig has been with the team since March 2010. The Newcastle native moved to the United States in 1994 as part of his involvement with Coerver Coaching. He has coached for the Eden Prairie Soccer Club, Minneapolis United, Westside FC, Wings Soccer Club, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Minneapolis South High School and Richfield High School.
Minnesota plays in the NASL, where it is currently ranked fourth in the conference with 13 points.
LAST YEAR’S OPEN CUP MATCH: In 2015 U.S. Open Cup Tournament, Saint Louis FC and Minnesota United FC faced off in the 3rd round at home.
After a scoreless first half, J.C. Banks put Minnesota United FC on the board in the 53rd minute. Forward Geison Moura struck the far post with a shot and the rebound fell directly to Banks, who scored with a first-touch finish to give the visitors the 1-0 lead.
STLFC pushed for an equalizer, and were rewarded in the 80th minute. Midfielder Charles Renken blew past a Minnesota defender before being pulled down, earning a penalty kick for Saint Louis. Forward Bryan Gaul calmly slotted home the spot kick to level the score at 1-1.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Mark Pais made one save while Brandon Barklage, Patrick Doody, and Oskar Gasecki all scored from the spot. Christian Ramirez put the final penalty off the post, setting off wild celebrations in the stands and on the field.
