USSF D-2 Minnesota United FC

NSC Minnesota Stars Carry Momentum into Midweek Clash with RailHawks

Published on September 14, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Minnesota United FC News Release


After a convincing win Saturday night in St. Louis, the NSC Minnesota Stars look to keep the momentum going Wednesday night in a match against the Carolina RailHawks. Although they currently occupy the eighth and final playoff berth in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, the Stars' position is hardly secure as they attempt to hold off FC Tampa Bay.

The Stars beat AC St. Louis 3-0 at AB Soccer Park Saturday, scoring three first-half goals and cruising through the second half to the most convincing win in the team's short history. Italian Simone Bracalello scored two goals, and Ely Allen added another as the Stars improved their season record to 8-12-7 and snapped a two-month winless streak. With the win, Minnesota is three points clear of FC Tampa Bay, who it plays in its final match of the season on Sept. 24.

"Obviously, that was a huge win for us," Stars head coach Manny Lagos said. "We were disappointed with the last three games, especially with two of them coming at home, but we were fortunate to still be in a position to create some separation."

The Stars topped Carolina in Cary, N.C., on April 14 to earn the first victory in franchise history. Daniel Wasson scored in the 37th minute - the first goal in Stars history - and the defense held on for a 1-0 win.

Wasson won't be taking part Wednesday night after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday to earn an automatic one-game suspension. Beyond that, there are few selection headaches for Lagos, who will have Neil Hlavaty back from suspension. Only defender Kevin Friedland, who is still recovering from a calf injury, is questionable for the Stars.

"We're lucky to be this healthy at this stage of the season," Lagos said. "There's the typical bumps and bruises, but right now we have the personnel to employ one of several strategies."

Carolina will be without team captain Mark Schulte, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament during training last week. Schulte had made 23 appearances this season for the RailHawks and led the team in minutes played.

Rennie joined the RailHawks in 2009 after two seasons with the Cleveland City Stars. The defender followed Martin Rennie to Cary after the latter's November 2008 appointment as head coach of Carolina.

"Mark has been our captain and played in almost every game for us," Rennie told the RailHawks' website. "He's had a significant impact in every team I've coached these past four years and I am a little disappointed he won't be able to finish the season out.

Wednesday's match is the first of two straight at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn. After the homestand, the Stars travel to Florida to finish their season against Tampa Bay, who is now under pressure to gain a result in its match in hand on Minnesota.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 14, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central