News

In the final game of the NASL Regular Season, the Minnesota Stars FC travel to San Antonio for a Sunday night game. Depending on results earlier in the weekend, the game could have implications for both teams. The Stars will have an opportunity to overtake the Fort Lauderdale Strikers for fifth place in the league with a Strikers loss or tie Sunday in Edmonton. For San Antonio, a trophy could be on the line, as the Tampa Bay Rowdies are nipping at their heels in the race for the NASL regular season championship and would take first place with a win Saturday night in Carolina, forcing San Antonio to either win or draw Sunday night in the league’s final game of the season.

The Scorpions were unable to overcome a two-goal halftime deficit on Sept. 19, falling to the Atlanta Silverbacks in a 3-1 loss in their final road match of the regular season. A Rowdies loss or draw to the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, Sept. 22 would ensure the Scorpions the NASL regular season championship. If the Rowdies win, the Scorpions would need a win or draw to clinch the NASL's top seed.

In their previous trip to San Antonio, the Stars survived a late onslaught in a 0-0 draw that saw head coach Manny Lagos rest several of his regular starters during a congested run of games. The Stars have managed two draws and a loss to San Antonio in all games against the Scorpions this season.

San Antonio Scorpions vs. Minnesota Stars Fc

Sunday, September 23, 2012— 7:15 P.M. EDT

Heroes Stadium

San Antonio, TX

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  San Antonio, 2-1-0, 7 points

                                               San Antonio                       Minnesota

Head Coach                        Tim Hankinson                  Manny Lagos

2012 Records                    1^st: 13-7-7, 46 points        6^th: 8-10-9, 34 points      

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

Goals Leader                     Pablo Campos (19)          Amani Walker (7)

Assists Leader                  Walter Ramirez (6)          Amani Walker (5)

San Antonio

• 8-2-3 at home
• Can become NASL Regular Season Champions*
• Two-match losing streak
• Held to a 0-0 in last home match against the Stars
• Kevin Harmse returns from suspension
• Suspended: None
• At risk: Fabian Kling (four yellows)

Minnesota

• 2-6-5 on the road
• Will finish in 5^th or 6^th place
• One win in last 11 matches
• Have never beaten San Antonio
• Suspended: Martin Nuñez (accumulation)
• At risk: Justin Davis (seven yellows); Neil Hlavaty, Brian Kallman, Kentaro Takada, Kevin Venegas (four yellows)

* San Antonio can become NASL Regular Season Champions with a victory over Minnesota, or a Tampa Bay Rowdies tie or loss to Carolina. A tie could also be enough for San Antonio, provided Tampa Bay does not make up their current twelve goal deficit in the overall goal difference table.