NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota Stars FC Look to Get Back on Track Thursday against Rowdies

Published on July 11, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Blaine, Minn. (July 11, 2012) --- Minnesota Stars FC will face the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the final time this season tomorrow, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at NSC Stadium in Blaine. With two wins and a draw against the Stars, the Rowdies have already taken the season series between the two clubs, but a Minnesota win will vault them over their South Florida rivals and into second place in the North American Soccer League.

The Stars had a rollercoaster week last week, falling 2-0 to the last-place Atlanta Silverbacks just three days after defeating the Puerto Rico Islanders 4-0 on July 4. With two games remaining in their season-long four-game homestand, a return to the win column Thursday night would see the Stars poised to take as many as nine points at home before returning to the road for three games in late July and early August.

Getting that win will be no easy feat. The Stars haven't beaten the Rowdies in regular-season play since 2010, although Minnesota did oust Tampa Bay from the playoffs last year en route to the NASL title. On top of its regular-season form against the Stars, Tampa Bay has won its last four games, including 2-1 and 2-0 victories over Minnesota. The Rowdies have scored 10 goals in that span. Spurring that success is breakout forward Tsuyoshi Yoshitake, who earned NASL Player of the Month honors for June. Two of Yoshitake's four goals in June---as well as his lone assist---came against the Stars, and containing the Japanese striker could be integral to the Stars' success.

"Yoshitake is deserving of the award, and obviously we know he'll be hungry to continue his success," Stars head coach Manny Lagos said, "but we also have to be aware of their other weapons. Tampa's a good team at all positions, and one that's given us trouble lately."

At the other end, the Stars will look to unlock Tampa Bay's defense early. The Rowdies have allowed just three first-half goals all season, making it difficult for their opponents to gain an upper hand. To that end, the Stars will enjoy a full stable of attacking options, as Amani Walker returned to action---and the scoresheet---last week after a month-long injury layoff. Head coach Manny Lagos also has the in-form Simone Bracalello and Martin Nunez at his disposal, as well as Devin Del Do, who has contributed timely goals for the Stars this season.

"An early goal doesn't guarantee anything, obviously, but it's important to get off on the right foot, especially after giving up a goal to Atlanta less than 10 minutes in on Saturday night. That's not a habit you want to get into, especially at home where it can take the fans out of the game a little bit," Lagos said.

After Thursday night's game, the Stars enjoy the weekend off, and will hope to do so while sitting in second place in the league standings, putting pressure on the Puerto Rico Islanders to get a result. The Stars close their homestand next Wednesday night, July 18, at 7:30 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Tickets are available to all Stars games online at mnstarsfc.com or by calling (763) 792-7355. Advance tickets start at $6 for youth age 17 and younger and $12 for adults. Reserved seats with chairbacks and a limited number of pitch-side seats are available for July 12 and 18 as well.

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