USSF D-2 Minnesota United FC

NSC Minnesota Stars Ready for Rematch with Crystal Palace Baltimore

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


BLAINE, Minn. (July 2, 2010) - The NSC Minnesota Stars will be expecting fireworks on the field Sunday night in their second consecutive game against Crystal Palace Baltimore. The Stars defeated Baltimore 3-1 on June 26 in what head coach Manny Lagos described as their best game of the year.

"We had a strong first half and went in with the lead. When Baltimore equalized, I worried we'd let the momentum get away and have to fight for a draw, but our guys responded really well. We thought we could have scored more than three goals," Lagos said.

Still, the three goals were nice, as the match marked only the second time this season the Stars have scored more than once in a league game. Lagos was also pleased with the diversity of the scoring, as three players put away their first league goals of the season. Striker Warren Ukah, who scored two goals in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on June 15, opened the scoring in the first half. After Baltimore tied the match, Brazilian midfielder Geison Moura scored from close range, and defender Andres Arango provided late insurance with a header from a tight angle.

The offensive explosion provided a final boost of confidence for a team that spent June getting morale-boosting results. NSC Minnesota went 3-1-1 in June, but the two wins prior to its trip to Baltimore came by narrow 1-0 margins. Winning a game on the strength of the offense was a big boost.

"As strikers, it's a relief when we get our first goals, so hopefully more come," said Ukah, who beat four defenders before finding the top corner last Saturday. "This is good for the team. Defense and scoring are parts of a team-oriented game."

Baltimore is allowing 1.46 goals per game, and with more players with the confidence a goal can bring, the Stars intend to push forward and look for an early goal to energize an Independence Day crowd and make the most of home field advantage.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 2, 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