NASL Minnesota United FC

Stars Tie League Leading Scorpions 1-1

Published on September 1, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. - Different night, similar story for Minnesota Stars FC, who let a lead- and with it two points- slip in front of 1,705 at NSC Stadium in a 1-1 draw with the North American Soccer League leading San Antonio Scorpions.

Amani Walker's fifth goal of the season capped an up-tempo, high energy half hour for the Stars, but Hans Denissen brought the Scorpions level with 20 minutes to play in a scrappy match that featured several late challenges by either team and saw six yellow cards dished out.

The first good chance of the game fell to the Stars on a free kick from about 25 yards out. Neil Hlavaty's shot beat the wall and was on frame, but Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler dove comfortably to his left to make the save.

Walker's goal to opening the scoring was thoroughly deserved, as the Stars held the Scorpions without a shot on goal in the first half and reacted well when tested midway through the half as San Antonio created chances inside the Minnesota penalty area.

In the 33rd minute, Brian Kallman fed Miguel Ibarra, who played a low pass across the six-yard box for Walker to tap in from close range, leaving the Scorpions' defenders with their arms raised for an offside call that was not forthcoming.

San Antonio responded well, but again the Stars defense was up to the task, blocking a Pablo Campos shot in the 37th minute after the league's leading goalscorer picked Justin Davis' pocket in the final third. At the other end, Walker had a chance to double the lead in the 38th minute, but his header from a Kallman cross drifted high and wide.

The Stars started the second half aggressively as Walker flashed a shot wide within seconds of the restart. San Antonio signalled its intent early in the half, too, but a sliding Campos was unable to get a clean strike on a low cross with the goal at his mercy in the 56th minute.

Campos turned creator in the 71st minute as Denissen tied the game with his second goal in as many games at NSC Stadium this year. After dribbling parallel to goal across the top of the penalty area, Campos found Denissen on the right side of the box, and the midfielder's curling shot through two Minnesota defenders found side netting as Stars goalkeeper Matt VanOekel dove in vain at a shot he had little time to react to.

The Stars made changes with finding a gamewinner in mind, bringing on Simone Bracalello and Nate Polak to freshen the legs on the front line. Bracalello had two attempts from distance saved, but as the Stars pressed for a second goal, it was nearly San Antonio who walked away with all three points, as Campos and Scorpions substitute Esteban Bayona caught the Stars in a two-on-one situation in the 90th minute. With his back to goal, Campos flicked a cross-field pass to Bayona, sending him clean through on goal, but VanOekel forced him left of center before smothering his low shot.

The draw gives the Stars an eight-point advantage over FC Edmonton for the league's sixth and final playoff position, although the Eddies have a game in hand to make up tomorrow afternoon against the Atlanta Silverbacks. The Stars face Edmonton next Saturday night in Blaine on Fan Appreciation Night at NSC Stadium. The first 1,000 fans through the gate next Saturday will receive a 2012 Stars team poster. Tickets for the game are available by visiting mnstarsfctickets.com or calling (763) 792-7355.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 1, 2012


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