The City Lions looked every inch stronger against the Twin Stars this past Sunday in the Twin Cities Derby of the American Premier League until the 24th minute when Solomon Ikechi made an own goal when he tried to clear the ball accidentally striking it against the opponents’ forward and bouncing in to the corner of the home team’s net to give the visitors a 0-1 lead in the first half.
Sendi tried to bring the game level by the 30th minute when he charged past the Twin Stars’ defense striking from the eighteen yards mark only to be denied by the Stars’ keeper who punched it away to his defenders stopping the attack.
Varney Cole made some early changes removing his recent Ecuadorian signing Joffra Alcantara and bringing in Ochan Ochogi.
Towards the end of the half, Ian Sendi managed to find the net with a strong header that he converted from Zeus Htoo’s cross but the referee’s assistant called it off before the Ugandan could get to a celebration thus disappointing the cheering crowds.
In the second half, Twin Stars Ethan scored beautifully before his counterpart Ziggy could make it 0-3.
Zeus Htoo, overpowered the defense, passing past the goal keeper and laying it for Ochan Ochogi who couldn’t convert and the referee called for a corner.
Abunanyi Lual and Solomo Ikechi both had good opportunities but the Star’s goalie denied them consistently.
Hassan Jillo AJ, was removed for CJ Moses when he suffered an ankle injury.
The Twin Stars were able to find a fourth goal sealing their victory at Einer Anderson Stadium.
Sendi asked for a sub in the 80th minute after hurting his ankle in a 50-50 challenge and Benjamin Lee came in to cover him. He is expected to return to training tomorrow with the rest of the team as they prepare for their trip this Saturday to Saint Cloud.
“This was a great game for me and for our team. The atmosphere was different. Our fans showed up late may be due to unfavorable weather but when they did they all supported us with a passion I have never experienced playing in this country and I am glad we have such a strong following.” Said Ian Sendi.
“We have not had a favorable season. We have lost at home games we should have won but I am sure our players and coaches are doing all they can to get back on track because we have a great team and for that I am so thankful to our fans for always believing in us.” Sendi Ian.
FC Minneapolis will be playing with Duluth FC on July 10th before traveling to North Dakota to play table leaders FC Fargo.
