Scorpions Earn Road Draw against Minnesota Stars FC

Published on September 1, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


Blaine, MN - The first-place San Antonio Scorpions overcame a second half deficit to earn a critical road point with a 1-1 draw against the Minnesota Stars FC on Saturday night as the Scorpions kicked off the final month of the regular season.

A second half goal by Hans Denissen helped the Scorpions earn a point and keep pace in the NASL standings.

The Scorpions currently have a four-point edge over the Tampa Bay Rowdies and a seven-point advantage over the Puerto Rico Islanders with four regular season matches remaining.

"We did a better job in the second half. It helped to step our two forwards up," Scorpions Head Coach Tim Hankinson said. "We missed some chances tonight, but we also created some good chances, especially in the second half."

The Stars started the game putting pressure on the Scorpions backline with an aggressive offensive approach, but the Scorpions defense was able to thwart a number of Minnesota runs to eliminate a number of threats.

But Minnesota was able to finally strike first in the 33rd minute when midfielder Miguel Ibarra delivered a cross in the box to forward Amani Walker, who delivered a sliding shot into the net to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.

The Scorpions began to push forward on the attack looking to find an equalizer before the end of the first half and the pressure led to a number corner kick opportunities. But despite the numerous chances, San Antonio was unable to capitalize.

Heading into the second half trailing by a goal, the Scorpions came out strong as they looked to score the equalizer.

In the 56th minute, the Scorpions came close to tying the game when Jonathan Greenfield made run on the inside and delivered a cross in front of the net. But forward Pablo Campos was unable to get a foot on the incoming pass.

But the Scorpions broke through in the 69th minute when midfielder Hans Denissen took a pass from Campos in the right side of the box, then cut back inside and curled a shot inside the far post past VanOekel to tie the game.

Denissen now has four goals this season, two of them coming against the Stars on the road.

The Scorpions will conclude their three-game road trip with a match against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

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