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Fresh off a 4-0 victory against the Puerto Rico Islanders, Minnesota Stars FC welcomes the Eric Wynalda-led Atlanta Silverbacks side to the NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota.

The Stars will be full of confidence going into this one after dispatching the second-place Puerto Rico Islanders by an impressive 4-0 scoreline; a margin of victory good for biggest win in the team’s history. Simone Bracalello and Amani Walker each scored once for their fourth goals of the season, but Martin Nuñez stole the show with two goals of his own.

Eric Wynalda’s first game in charge of the Silverbacks was spoiled by a 2-1 defeat to the Carolina RailHawks last Tuesday. Nine points out of a playoff spot, Wynalda has his work cut out for him if he wants to get the most of an under-performing squad.

After coming from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw at the end of April, the Stars won their next fixture against the Silverbacks 2-0 at the NSC Stadium. Goals from debutant Ernest Tchoupe and rookie Miguel Ibarra were the difference as the hosts extended their unbeaten start to the season to five matches.

The Stars are just five points behind the league-leaders San Antonio, and history would favor Minnesota to close the gap by defeating the Silverbacks, a side who are yet to defeat them in six previous attempts. But against a team with nothing to lose under new coach Eric Wynalda, three points for the hosts are anything but a guarantee.

Minnesota Stars FC vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Saturday, July 7, 2012— 8:30 P.M. EDT

NSC Stadium

Blaine, MN

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  Minnesota, 1-1-0, 4pts 

2011 Series:  Minnesota, 4-0-0, 12pts  

                                                Minnesota                          Atlanta

Head Coach                        Manny Lagos                     Eric Wynalda

2012 Records                    4^th: 6-5-3, 23pts                 8^th: 1-5-9, 8pts                  

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

Goals Leader                     Simone Bracalello (4),     Reinaldo Navia (6)          

                                              Amani Walker (4)

Assists Leader                  Brian Kallman (3),             Ciaran O’Brien (4)

                                               Amani Walker (3)

QUICK FACTS

Minnesota.

• Wednesday’s 4-0 victory against the Puerto Rico Islanders was the largest win in franchise history.
• The Stars have not lost to the Silverbacks, maintaining a 5-1-0 record since 2011.
• Eleven different played have scored for Minnesota in 2012 NASL action.

Atlanta

• Eric Wyanalda’s side lost 2-1 in his professional coaching debut.
• The Silverbacks have lost five-straight matches.
• Having collected 34 yellows and seven red cards, Atlanta has the worst discipline record in the league.