Minnesota’s winless streak at home continues with yet another home tie, this time against the Milwaukee Rampage, bringing the season series to 1-1-1. Both teams played aggressive, but surprisingly clean in a match where scoring only took the forms on ceremonial kicks from the penalty spot.
--- First Half ---
Weather was very nice, and the pitch in perfect condition. Minnesota had most of the chances in the half, and pretty much controlled the flow of the game. Neither team bunkered down, but there were few runs into their respective offensive thirds, and both teams battled it out in the midfield. Minnesota’s offensive runs were along the flanks, which, for the most part, were given freely by the Rampage. Milwaukee had one quality chance in the half, Minnesota few more.
In the 42nd minute a penalty kick was awarded when Destin Makumbu pulled down Johnny Torrez down in the left side of the penalty area. Torrez easily converted the kick for the first score of the game.
--- Second Half ---
Despite being down 1-0, Milwaukee didn’t change much in their style of play, but perhaps that’s because, like in the first half, both teams seemed to be in a midfield dead-lock. Milwaukee evened the score with their own penalty kick in the 57th minute (the penalty call came in the 54th, but Mark Shulte had to be treated for an injury - he was later taken out after it was determined he had a concussion) when Chris Gores tripped up Ranko Golijanin at the top of the penalty area. Digital Takawira took the ensuring PK to knot everything back up at one.
Minnesota upped the pressure on Milwaukee, including a few hits off the aluminum, but were unable to take any shots from inside the penalty area (they were clearly missing Johnny Menyonger, out on a red card suspension, who’s better able to open up the field of play for them). Milwaukee settled back defensively, making few offensive runs, and no quality chances, waiting for Minnesota to tire out, or take the tie.
--- Overtime ---
Minnesota tired out - Milwaukee now peppered Jon Lowery with shots, some going inches wide, others forcing some spectacular diving saves. At last the cards we all expected finally started coming out, as fouls and tackles became increasingly aggressive, and injuries accumulated. Zaf Kilickan picked up two cautions in less that 20 minutes. But the effort was for naught, as, save for the penalty kicks, there was no scoring in the match.
--- Notes ---
Minnesota is looking to miss four players, including three regular starters, to injury in Wednesday’s US Open Cup match again Los Angeles: Aaron Biddle (groin injury), Jakob Fenger (groin injury), Donny Gramenz (calf injury) and Mark Schulte (concussion).
Participants: Minnesota vs. Milwaukee
Competition: A-League
Time/Date: 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 13
Venue: National Sports Center, Blaine, MN
Attendance: 3,585
Weather: 85 Degrees and Sunny
Scoring Summary: 1 1 0 0 F
Minnesota: 1 0 0 0
Milwaukee: 0 1 0 0
Minnesota: Johnny Torres (Penalty Kick) 42nd minute
Milwaukee: Digital Takawira (Penalty Kick) 57th minute
LINEUPS:
Minnesota: 22-Jon Lowery; 13-Mark Schulte (7-Amos Magee, 70); 12-Adam Eyre; 20-Chris Gores; 6-Matt Schmidt; 17-Hugo Llamas; 5-Mike Gentile (2-Zaf Kilickan, 91); 21-Don Gramenz (19-Marshall Morehead, 97); 14-Aaron Biddle (4-Eric Otto, 91); 8-Johnny Torres; 11-Jakob Fenger (9-Orrett Prendergast, 57)
Milwaukee: 1-Dan Popik; 6-Jeremy Aldrich; 19-Destin Makumbu; 4-Matt Bobo; 2-Steve Bernal; 7-Jeff Bilyk (25-David Lara, 91); 3-Dennis Fadeski (23-Miguel Saavedra, 45 (15-David Henning, 103)); 8-Angel Rivillo (21-Bobby Brennan, 90); 11-Igor Soso; 5-Ranko Golijanin (14-Sam Sucevic, 108); 12-Digital Takawira
Statistical Summary: Minnesota /Milwaukee
Shots: 16/12
Saves: 3/7
Fouls: 20/16
Offside: 3/6
Corner Kicks: 3/6
Misconduct Summary:
Minnesota: Jon Lowery (caution - ?) 81st minute
Milwaukee: Miguel Saavedra (caution - retaliation) 103rd minute
Minnesota: Zaf Kilickan (caution - reckless foul) 105th minute
Milwaukee: Sam Sucevic (caution - professional foul) 110th minute
Minnesota Zaf Kilickan (2nd caution, ejection - reckless foul) 110th minute
Referee: Marcel Yonan
Assistant Referee #1: Mishaun Ahmad
Assistant Referee #2: Ken Lamb
Fourth Official: David Tierney
