NSC Minnesota Stars Capture NASL Championship
Published on October 29, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The NSC Minnesota Stars won the inaugural North American Soccer League title against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on a 3-1 aggregate following a 0-0 draw Saturday, Oct. 29, at Lockhart Stadium. The sixth seed in the NASL playoffs, the NSC Minnesota Stars defeated third seed FC Tampa Bay and the top seed Carolina RailHawks to reach the final.
The match tonight was tough for both teams. A rainstorm prior to the match caused the field to be very wet, making the ball tough to play with a simple touch or pass. Throughout the match, the Strikers pressed forward to get the two equalizing goals needed to send the match into extra time.
"We knew we were going to have to try to get the ball wide, but they were just too good tonight," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "We played well tonight, but Minnesota deserved to win after the way they played their home game."
The Strikers first chance came when Gerson Mayén, sent through on goal, had a chance get a shot on net, but his touch went astray. Shortly after, NSC Minnesota got an attacking free kick in the Strikers half. Luke Mulholland played a ball into the box and Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser dove to his left, putting enough on the ball to send it out of bounds.
The first half ended with the only serious chance for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Midfielder Mike Palacio curled in a corner kick which found defender Toni Stahl in the back of the box. Stahl got his head on the ball, but it sailed just wide.
The start of the second half continued to see the Strikers press high up and attack. Again, the NSC Minnesota Stars defense communicated well and broke up the Strikers' build up.
The last real chance for the Strikers fell to Mayén. Walter Restrepo dribbled down the right wing and chipped the ball into the box. Mayén got a foot onto the ball, but could not convert.
The rest of the match saw the Strikers pressing forward and playing the ball into the box, but the Stars remained calm. They cleared each ball, kept the attacking movement out of the box, and clinched the first North American Soccer League title.
"The Strikers were reborn and I think we made everyone proud," said Shore. "A lot of the old Strikers fans and new Strikers fans have come together, and that's really special."
North American Soccer League Stories from October 29, 2011
- Stars Clinch NASL Championship with Scoreless Draw in Fort Lauderdale - Minnesota United FC
- NSC Minnesota Stars Capture NASL Championship - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NSC Minnesota Stars Defeat Fort Lauderdale Strikers for NASL Title - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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