News

Minnesota Stars FC and the Puerto Rico Islanders meet for the first time in 2012 for a Fourth of July clash at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota.

After starting the season so well, the Stars endured a difficult month, going 1-1-3 during June, and dropping to fourth place in the standings. In their last match the Stars fell 2-0 to the Rowdies.

The Puerto Rico Islanders have had to split their attention between league matches and the CFU Club Championship. The Islanders defeated Antigua Barracuda of USL Pro to qualify for the 2012-12 CONCACAF Champions League, but a 2-1-2 record from the last five games saw them relinquish top spot in the standings to San Antonio.

Minnesota have lost just once at home all season, but did fall to Puerto Rico on one occasion in 2011. The Islanders edged last season’s series, and snatched a 1-0 road victory at NSC Stadium last July.

Minnesota Stars FC vs. Puerto Rico Islanders

Wednesday, July 4, 2012— 8:30 P.M. EDT

NSC Stadium

Blaine, MN

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series: First meeting

2011 Series: Puerto Rico, 2-1-1, 7pts

                                     Minnesota                              Puerto Rico

Head Coach               Manny Lagos                         Adrian Whitbread

2012 Records           4^th: 5-5-3, 21pts                    2^nd: 5-4-5, 19pts

Last Five Games       T L L W L                                L W L W T

Goals Leader             Simone Bracalello (3),        Nicholas Addlery (5),

                                      Amani Walker (3)                  David Foley (5)

Assists Leader          Amani Walker (3)                 Jonathan Faña (5)

QUICK FACTS

Minnesota

• Eleven different players have scored for the Stars this season.
• The Stars are 3-1-1 at home in 2012.
• Stars’ joint-leading scorer Simone Bracalello has taken 36 shots, twice as many as closest teammate Miguel Ibarra who has attempted 18.

Puerto Rico

• Jonathan Faña is the joint-league-leader in assists with five on the season.
• The Islanders boast the largest goal differential, at +11.
• Puerto Rico have conceded the fewest goals, allowing just ten goals in 13 matches.