PREVIEW | RailHawks vs. United

Minnesota opens the Fall Season on Saturday with a 4 p.m. CDT kickoff against the RailHawks in Carolina. Minnesota sits in fourth place in the combined table, scoring 15 goals and conceding 13 goals. Minnesota United went seven matches unbeaten in the spring before dropping three points at home to close the season. Still in playoff contention, scoring more goals and shoring up problems in the defense will be key for the Loons as they chase the Fall Season title.

“As a group there have been moments where we attacked well and as a group there have been moments in the Spring Season where we haven't fired on all cylinders,” said Lagos. “Some of that comes down to individual decisions and some of that comes down to the group creating chances within a game. Scoring goals is a big part of the sport and a big part of being successful in the game—how to score and when to score and how to make those decisions is complex.”

Christian Ramirez has the opportunity to have a big impact for Minnesota United this fall. The 2014 Golden Boot winner only tallied one goal through ten matches and found minutes hard to come by in the spring, but with the transfer of Miguel Ibarra, there is a gap in the lineup to fill. Ramirez explained that getting a goal early will be important for his confidence and will help the team moving forward.

“It's important to get off on the right note,” said Ramirez. “When I'm given a half chance or the defense lets off for a second, being able to capitalize on that every single time has been a focus for me. Mentally staying sharp throughout the game—whether it's sitting on the bench for 89 minutes and coming off the bench for just one minute, or from the get go—just making sure at the end of the day we win. Whatever my role is this fall, it's about getting those wins.”

Lagos explained that there will be chances for individuals to make a difference this Fall Season, and that competition for positions will make the club better and lead to results on the pitch. “Like everyone we have in our roster, we believe in them and think they're going to have a great second half of the season,” said Lagos. “By the team and the group pushing each other there will be success for individuals.”

The past three seasons, the Fall Season Champion has continued on to win the postseason Championship. For the Loons, the goal will be to improve each week and finish the season in the best possible form heading into the playoffs. That journey begins Saturday at Carolina against the RailHawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CDT.