Minneapolis, MN -- Despite their best second half performance of the fall season, Ottawa Fury FC dropped a 2-1 decision to the NASL spring season Champions Minnesota United FC Saturday night.

The League's top goal-getter Christian Ramirez opened the scoring just four minutes in and would net the game winner in the 60th minute slotting home a penalty kick for his eight and ninth goals of the season.

Sinisa Ubiparipovic scored for the Fury but despite numerous second half chances they couldn't tie the game.

Fury FC fall to 3-2-8 (W-T-L) on the season.

Head Coach Marc Dos Santos returned to his 4-3-3 formation, but was dealt a blow to his line-up before the game even started as captain Richie Ryan pulled up with an injury during the warm-up forcing him out of the line-up.

Mauro Eustaquio, who had just three minutes of playing time all season, made his first career NASL start in place of his injured captain.

Also making his debut was goalkeeper Romuald Peiser who started for the first time since joining the club at the mid-season break.

Minnesota United took the lead just four minutes into the game as right-back Kevin Venegas made a quick run down the right side receiving a well-timed ball that he swung across the face of goal to an unmarked Ramirez who tapped it home.

For most of the first half, Fury keeper Peiser had to be quick off his line as Ramirez and Mendes made several runs in behind Ottawa's back line.

Minnesota would find the outside of the post midway through the half and and the Fury trailed by just one goal heading into the dressing room at the half.

Whatever message Marc Dos Santos delivered to his players at halftime changed the complexion of the game.

Fury showed tremendous pace and creativity with Sinisa Ubiparipovic leading the charge.

In the 50th minute Ubiparipovic and forward Carl Haworth linked up on a nifty give-and-go and the midfield veteran slotted home his second of the season.

The goals seemed to rejuvenate the Fury and they came at Minnesota in wave-after-wave with Mauro Eustaquio forcing Mitch Hildebrandt to be sharp in the United goal.

In the 60th minute midfielder Juliano Vincentini made a clever run through the midfield and was judged to have been brought down by Drew Beckie just steps inside the 18-yard box. Despite the protest from the Ottawa defence, the call would stand.

Christian Ramirez calmly slotted home his second of the game and league-leading ninth of the season.

Fury FC return home to TD Place on Aug. 9 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7 p.m.

-- Submitted