News

After a thrilling 3-2 win against the Silverbacks in Atlanta, the Tampa Bay Rowdies return home to face the most in-form team in the league, Minnesota Stars FC. The Stars continue their unbeaten season with a four game road trip, and are coming into the match on the back of a 3-1 win against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers last Saturday.

Both the Rowdies and the Stars were victorious in their midweek U.S. Open Cup Second Round matches. The Rowdies defeated instate opposition, Jacksonville United 3-0 while the Stars dealt with the Des Moines Menace 2-0 despite being a man down for the entire second half. In the next round of the cup, the Rowdies host the 2010 MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids at Al Lang Stadium, and the Stars will travel to Utah to face 2011 CONCACAF Champions League Finalists, Real Salt Lake.

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Minnesota Stars FC

Friday, May 25, 2012— 7:30 P.M. EDT

Al Lang Stadium

St. Petersburg, Florida

Webcast: NASL on Ustream

2012 Series:  First meeting

2011 NASL Quarterfinals: Minnesota won 1-0

2011 Series:  Tampa Bay won 2-2-0

QUICK FACTS

Tampa Bay

• Goalkeeper Jeff Atinella leads the league with 37 saves.
• The Rowdies have attempted more shots than any other team with 105 shot attempts.
• Tampa Bay has the best discipline in the league with just 12 yellow cards and no red cards this season.

Minnesota

• The Stars are the only NASL side to have not lost a match in 2012.
• Forward Amani Walker leads the Stars in goals and assists, with three of each.
• The Stars have scored 14 times in the last five games after being held scoreless the first two matches.