Minnesota Stars

Coach: Manny Lagos

2011 Regular Season:  9-9-10 36 points, 6^th Place

2011 Playoffs:  Defeated FC Tampa Bay 1-0 in NASL Quarterfinals, defeated Carolina 4-4 on aggregate (5-3 on pks) in NASL Semifinal Series and defeated Fort Lauderdale 3-1 on aggregate in NASL Championship Series.

Key Losses:    GK Joe Warren (retired)

                            D  Jack Stewart (Fort Lauderdale Strikers)

                            M  Luke Mulholland (Tampa Bay Rowdies)

Key Additions:  F  Martin Nuñez (Fort Lauderdale Strikers)

                             D  Evan Sassano (FSV 63 Luckenwalde/Germany)

                             D Daniel Wasson (returns for ACL injury)

Quick Facts

·  A strong core returns for the reigning champions. The team returns its entire starting defense from 2012 and all three of its leading scorers, Neil Hlavaty, Simone Bracalello and Devin Del Do.

· The team will also be boosted by the arrival of Martin Nuñez from Fort Lauderdale and the return of Daniel Wasson, who missed 2011 with a torn ACL.

·  With NASL October Player of the Month Joe Warren's retirement after a remarkable playoff run, the Stars find themselves without a proven veteran between the pipes. Warren had a career year last year and was among the NASL leaders in saves and goals against while starting all but one game. Matt VanOekel and Mitch Hildebrandt will compete to fill Warren’s role.

·  The Stars relied on their defense on the way to a championship in 2011, but the team will welcome a breakout year from its forwards. Devin Del Do and Amani Walker enjoyed strong preseasons. Improved consistency  will be required from Simone Bracalello, who is always a threat to score a spectacular goal.

· Minnesota returns joint leading scorer from 2011 Neil Hlavaty, who brings the team a strong element on set pieces.