Minnesota Stars FC host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Saturday night at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. The teams have a familiar history, having faced each other in the 2011 NASL Championship Series.

After a fairytale start to the season that included eliminating MLS league-leaders Real Salt Lake from the Open Cup, on top of a a nine-game unbeaten streak in the 2012 NASL season, the Minnesota Stars have come back to reality. Knocked out of the Open Cup by the San Jose Earthquakes, then handed consecutive defeats in the league, including a 5-1 thrashing by the RailHawks to lose their unbeaten streak, the Stars have started a downward spiral and are winless since May 19th. A 2-0 loss to the Rowdies last weekend ended their unbeaten record at home.

The Strikers are coming into this match off of a 1-0 home victory against FC Edmonton. Strikers’ joint-top scorer Andy Herron scored the game’s only goal after returning from a knee injury that was expected to keep him out until August. The win was bittersweet due to an horrific injury to midfield regular Polo Morales, who fractured both the tibia and fibula in his right leg after just twenty minutes played.

The Stars have faced the Strikers twice this season, both times at Lockhart Stadium. The last time the teams met was on May 19th, the Stars leaving Lockhart with all three points after a 3-1 road victory. The Stars will hope for a strong home field advantage as the Strikers have struggled on the road, and are the only team to have not recorded an away victory this season.

Minnesota Stars FC vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Saturday, June 23, 2012— 8:30 P.M. EDT

NSC Stadium

Blaine, MN

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  Stars, 1-1-0, 4pts

2011 Series: Strikers, 2-2-0, 8pts 

                                                Minnesota                          Fort Lauderdale

Head Coach                        Manny Lagos                     Daryl Shore

2012 Records                     3^rd: 4-5-2, 17pts                 4^th: 4-4-4, 16pts

Last Five Games                W D D L L                          L D W L W

Goals Leader                      Amani Walker (3)             Mark Anderson (4),

                                                                                            Andy Herron (4)

Assists Leader                   Amani Walker (3)             Walter Restrepo (5)

QUICK FACTS

Minnesota

• After a nine-game unbeaten start to the season, the Stars have recorded two consecutive defeats.
• Forward Amani Walker leads the Stars in goals and assists, with three of each.
• The Stars last victory was against the Strikers on May 19th.

Fort Lauderdale

• The Strikers have not won on the road this season.
• Mark Anderson has scored a goal in four of his last six NASL matches, and six in the last eight when including Open Cup play.
• Walter Restrepo is tied for the league lead with five assists.