NASL Minnesota United FC

NSC Minnesota Stars Fall 2-0 at Montreal Impact

Published on August 20, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


The NSC Minnesota Stars completed a three-game road trip Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 loss to the Major League Soccer bound Montreal Impact. The loss drops the Stars' season record to seven wins, seven losses and eight ties, and adds extra importance to the team's August 27 home game against the Impact as the North American Soccer League the final quarter of its inaugural season.

Looking for a win to finish a five-game homestand and close within four points of FC Edmonton for the NASL's sixth and final playoff position, the Impact came out with an energetic attack. Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren made quality saves to deny Mircea Ilcu and Eduardo Sebrango, the Impact's leading goal scorer. At the other end, the Stars failed to test Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush in the first half, with Simone Bracalello and Justin Davis missing the target with the Stars' best chances of the half.

Despite Montreal's pressure, the Stars' defense remained organized, and it looked like the team would head into the halftime break tied 0-0, but just as they did a week ago against FC Tampa Bay, the Stars allowed a stoppage time goal to enter the dressing room frustrated. Ilcu fed Ryan Pore on the right side of the penalty area, and the midfielder hit a left-footed shot through traffic and in off Warren's near post to give the Impact the lead.

The Stars came out rejuvenated in the second half, drawing several corner kicks in the first five minutes, although Montreal defended them well. Bracalello had two free kick opportunites within minutes of each other halfway through the second half, but he was only able to force a save from Bush with one of them, sending the other up and over the bar. As the half wore on, the Stars continued to keep Montreal on its back foot, but their pressure translated into few chances on goal.

With the Stars playing high up the field looking to equalize, the counterattack was always a threat, and Montreal added insurance in the 84th minute when Sebrango tapped in substitute Mignane Diouf's cross from six yards out.

The Stars and Impact meet again next Saturday, this time at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn., to close out their four-game season series. The 7 p.m. game highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Night at NSC Stadium, as the Stars have teamed with Rock the Cure to help raise money to combat women's cancers. The game will also feature a pregame concert and special pink Stars jerseys and merchandise. For tickets, call (763) 792-7355, visit nscminnesota.com or order through Rock the Cure's site, rockthecure.org.

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 20, 2011


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