J.C. Banks (Milwaukee Riverside/UW-Green Bay) scored his first league goal for Minnesota United FC, but the Loons had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Carolina RailHawks in a North American Soccer League match Saturday in Blaine, Minn.
The 25-year-old Banks, who signed with Minnesota United after four solid seasons with the Rochester Rhinos in the third-tier USL PRO, earned his second NASL start and gave the home team the lead in the 48th minute.
He took a pass from Pablo Campos on the left side of the box, worked to the middle and fired between a pair of RailHawks. Banks' shot deflected off former Minnesota midfielder Neil Hlavaty and rolled past goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, who had gone to the ground at the near post anticipating the shot. (Watch highlights below)
It was the second goal overall this year for Banks, who opened his account with his new team in a third-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Saint Louis FC on May 27 – Minnesota United was ousted 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Banks was named to the NASL Team of the Week for his efforts against Carolina. Minnesota United (3-1-5) closes out the spring portion of its league schedule Saturday at home against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
On Twitter: @jcbanks11