Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath toasted his favorite Pinot Grigio after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Orlando City at TCF Bank Stadium.
After feeling disrespected with the lack of tact Orlando showed in his firing last July, he didn’t sip the white wine. He savored it.
When Christian Ramirez scored in the 56th minute, United’s forward spontaneously ran over to Heath on the sideline to celebrate. He told Heath, “That one is for you.”
“I know how much this game meant to him and everything he has done for that club and how things ended there,” Ramirez said. “I made sure that he got recognized for what he’s doing here.”
After eight years taking Orlando City up to a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in 2015, Heath heard the news of his sacking from reporters moments before he spoke to club management.
When Heath was hired by Minnesota in November, he quickly said the Orlando City game would be circled on the schedule. On Saturday, it became a day to remember.
After the final whistle, Heath had a group hug with assistants Ian Fuller and Mark Watson, who were with him on the sideline in Orlando. Heath was gracious in saying the win was for the players, his staff and the announced crowd of 18,896.
“Something they can enjoy, and I’m sure I’ll enjoy,” he said.
Minnesota (4-7-2) was able to snap a two-game losing streak. Ramirez, who had an own goal in each of those one-goal defeats, was the hero when he weaved a patient attack through Orlando’s defense before slotting home the difference maker.
