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Minnesota Stars FC travels to Bayamón, Puerto Rico to take on the Puerto Rico Islanders for just the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. After great starts to the season for both teams, the two sides have each won just three of their last 10 league matches, and will be hoping to put an end to their respective two-game losing streaks.

The Islanders are coming off of a disappointing 2-0 away loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a result that saw the Rowdies knock the Islanders down to third place in the standings. Despite struggling for form, the hosts can take consolation in the fortress they have created at home. Since 2011, the Islanders have lost just one of 23 NASL matches played in Puerto Rico.

In the Stars’ last match the team fell 1-0 to the Carolina RailHawks. In the 47^th minute, the game was delayed for four hours due to thunderstorms. Zach Schilawski’s goal in the 10^th minute was enough to hand Minnesota their second consecutive defeat.

On July 4, the Stars thrashed Puerto Rico 4-0 at NSC Stadium, the first meeting between the two sides this season. Historically, the teams appear to be even; in five matches between the sides since the start of the 2011 season, the series is balanced with two wins and a draw each. Both teams have an opportunity to move up a spot in the standings with a win and keep the pressure on the San Antonio Scorpions and the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the top of the standings.   

Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Minnesota Stars FC

Saturday, July 28, 2012— 7:30 P.M. EDT

Bayamón Soccer Complex

Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  Minnesota, 1-0-0, 3 points

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

                                             Puerto Rico                    Minnesota

Head Coach                       Adrian Whitbread           Manny Lagos

2012 Records                   3^rd: 8-4-6, 28 points       4^th: 7-5-6, 26 points         

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

Goals Leader                     Nicholas Addlery (6)      Simone Bracalello (5)

Assists Leader                  Jonathan Faña (5)         Brian Kallman (3)

                                                                                          Amani Walker (3)

Puerto Rico

• 6-2-1 at home this season.
• Dropped to third in standings after loss to Tampa Bay Rowdies.
• Have scored just eight goals in the last 10 games.

Minnesota

• 2-4-3 on the road this season.
• Will move ahead of the Islanders in the standings with a win.
• Haven’t won an away game since May 19, a 3-1 victory in Fort Lauderdale.