USSF D-2 Minnesota United FC

Joe Warren's Saves Lead NSC Minnesota Stars past Portland Timbers

Published on June 17, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Despite playing with a one-man advantage for most of the second half of Thursday night's USSF Division 2 Pro League match against the Portland Timbers, the NSC Minnesota Stars needed a string of fine saves from Joe Warren to guide them to a 1-0 victory. The Stars extended their unbeaten run in the league to four games, posting a record of three wins and a tie in one of their most difficult stretches of the season.

Ely Allen scored the game's only goal in the 20th minute off an assist from defender Chris Clements. Used as an outside midfielder, Allen made a slashing run through the Portland penalty area, and Clements found him with a perfectly weighted 40 yard pass. Allen controlled the ball off his chest before turning and slamming it past Portland goalkeeper Steve Cronin from five yards out.

As the half wore on, Portland's pressure mounted, but the home side was unable to put a shot on goal until Takayuki Suzuki's looping header forced Warren to tip the ball behind the net in the 39th minute. Still, the Stars spent the last 10 minutes of the half on their back foot, welcoming halftime and the chance to regroup after their sharp passing to start the game began to deteriorate.

In the 52nd minute, the game looked like it was all but decided after Portland midfielder James Marcelin was sent off for elbowing forward Brian Cvilikas in the face while chasing a loose ball in the box. The call looked harsh on replay, as Marcelin won the loose ball and looked to be doing little more than steady himself on his jump, but the Stars had a penalty kick and man advantage nonetheless. Melvin Tarley, who scored the winner in the Stars' last league match stepped up to the spot, but his shot did little to fool Portland keeper Steve Cronin, who swatted it down and beat Tarley to the rebound.

For the final 40 minutes of the match, it looked as though Portland had the man advantage. Energized by Cronin's save, Portland attacked relentlessly, bending the Stars, but never breaking them and never able to beat Warren, who hasn't allowed a goal in more than three matches.

In the 64th minute, Warren came off his line to stuff Bright Dike after the Portland substitute ran right through center backs Kyle Altman and Andres Arango. In the 75th minute, he needed quick reflexes to reach an Alex Nimo shot that flew through a crowded penalty area and looked momentarily like it would sneak in under the crossbar. On the night, Warren took credit for five saves, but he also consistently broke up Portland's crosses into the penalty area.

Key to maintaining the shutout was the Stars' treatment of the league's leading scorer, Ryan Pore, who has eight goals in 2010 and has played a part in all 10 of Portland's goals this season. Pore never looked dangerous inside the Stars' penalty area, was forced into hopeful long shots and failed to deliver on several quality set-piece opportunities.

The Stars and Timbers will meet again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn. For tickets, contact the Stars ticket office at (763) 792-7355, or order online at NSCMinnesota.org/tickets. The Stars also play a home exhibition match Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. against Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 17, 2010


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