NASL Minnesota United FC

Late penalty kick cost Stars win in 1-1 tie with Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Published on April 15, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


A week after stealing all three points with a stoppage time goal in Atlanta, the NSC Minnesota Stars found themselves the victims of a late goal in Fort Lauderdale Friday night as the Stars and Strikers shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Lockhart Stadium.

The Stars and Strikers shared quality chances in a scoreless first half. Stars forward Jeff Cosgriff forced a save out of Strikers goalkeeper Nic Platter after 15 minutes. About halfway through the first half, the Strikers had their best chance of the first half, but Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren dove acrobatically to his left to steer Zack Kirby's free kick around the post. Warren was tested again near the end of the first half, again getting down low to save at his near post. The Stars also threatened shortly before halftime, after a run into the box led to close-range header, which Platter could only punch as far as the penalty spot, but Andrei Gotsmanov's follow up effort was blocked by a lunging Fort Lauderdale defender.

"The Strikers really came at us pretty hard in the first half, and Joe had some really nice saves to remind us that we needed to defend well," Stars head coach Manny Lagos said after the game.

The Stars came out with more attacking menace in the second half, and they were rewarded in the 61st minute as Devin Del Do scored his first goal of the season on a close-range header. Gotsmanov's free kick from 35 yards out found Del Do in space at the back post, and the second-year forward nodded the ball past Platter to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.

"It was just a great service from Andrei, and I happened to be able to separate from the defender," Del Do said of his goal. "I knew it was a slick surface, so I just tried to head it down."

The Strikers put the Stars on their heels a bit after the goal, as Minnesota struggled to maintain possession, content to clear the ball, but leaving few options for the forwards in counterattacks. It would prove costly as time wore down and the Stars looked set to take three points out of south Florida.

Referee Donald Dellavia called Stars defender Brian Kallman for a lunge on Strikers midfielder Brian Shriver at the edge of the penalty area. Eduardo Coudet stepped up to take the penalty kick, sending his shot high down the middle as Warren dove to his right.

"They really came at us at the end, and we looked like we'd weathered it, so this hurts in a way because it feels like it could have been six points," Lagos said. "Overall, it was a tough environment in a good league, and we have four points from two road games. We're certainly happy with that, and we'll continue to work to play better."

The Stars finish a season-opening road trip on April 26th in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, against the defending second division champion Islanders. The Stars open their home schedule April 30 at 7:30 p.m. against the Carolina RailHawks.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 15, 2011


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