NASL Minnesota United FC

NSC Minnesota Stars Ready for Impact, Season's Home-Stretch

Published on August 26, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


The NSC Minnesota Stars will face the Major League Soccer bound Montreal Impact for the fourth and final time Saturday at 7 p.m. at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn. After scoring only once in the last four games the Stars will be hungry for goals Saturday night in a game that's taken on added importance as Montreal has found its stride in the North American Soccer League.

After losing to Montreal 2-0 Saturday afternoon the Stars are tied with FC Edmonton for fourth place in the NASL with 29 points and a 7-8-7 record. Montreal has a 5-7-10 and sits second-to-last with 22 points overall, but a recent run of form during a five-game home stand has moved the Impact back into contention for one of the league's six playoff berths. Despite the loss last Saturday, the Stars currently lead the series with the Impact with two wins and one loss and will be looking for a full three points to put a stop to a four-match winless stretch.

To that end, head coach Manny Lagos is calling on his attack to generate consistent scoring chances and ease the pressure on a defense that has allowed only 23 goals this season, the second-lowest total in the league.

"My focus is on getting us to figure out how to create more chances and score goals from them, but the bigger thing for the whole team is that we're coming down the home stretch," Lagos said.

After a rough road trip, in which the Stars picked up only one point from three matches, Lagos said he's seen the response he wanted to from the club.

"There's a sense of urgency and focus from the guys. We know we can really control how we finish the season out," he said.

Last Saturday, Montreal ended a five-game home stand with a win over the Stars. Midfielder Ryan Pore - on loan from MLS's Portland Timbers - scored during first-half stoppage, and the Impact added the insurance it needed with a second goal in the 84th minute when Eduardo Sebrango tapped in a Mignane Diouf cross from six yards out as the Stars moved forward on the counterattack.

The Stars will take heart in Montreal's continuing struggles, even dating back to the days of the Minnesota Thunder. Defender Kevin Friedland, who has played in Minnesota since 2004, said Thursday he has fond memories of Minnesota teams keeping the Impact in check.

"Historically, Montreal has struggled coming to Minnesota, so we'll need to make sure to stay on top of them early," said Friedland, who has returned to action after four months of injury problems.

Saturday's game kicks off at 7 p.m. instead of the Stars' customary 7:30. Tickets are available by calling (763) 792-7355 or visiting NSCMinnesota.com.

Rank Strangers, pink jerseys highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Night

Saturday night is the Stars' Breast Cancer Awareness match to raise money for Rock the Cure. Local band Rank Strangers will perform at 5:30 p.m. in the stars beer garden and the Stars will auction off specially designed pink jerseys worn during the game. Bidding starts at $50 and all proceeds benefit Rock the Cure. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Stars wrap up month-long school supply drive Saturday

The Stars will also be collecting school supplies and cash donations for The Caring Tree Saturday night. A supply bin will be located near the front entrance, and donation buckets will be placed throughout the stadium. Tickets are available by calling (763) 792-7355 or visiting NSCMinnesota.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 26, 2011


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