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Three weeks since their last meeting, Minnesota Stars FC hosts the league-leading San Antonio Scorpions at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. The Stars were unlucky in the previous fixture against the Scorpions, having two goals disallowed before Hans Denissen scored the winner for San Antonio from the penalty spot.

Having started the season so well, the Stars have been in a downward spiral since their unbeaten start to the season was snapped up at the start of June. Minnesota faced FC Edmonton at home in their last match, and could only manage a 1-1 draw after Bryan Arguez smashed in a late equalizer for the visitors. It was the seventh game in a row the Stars failed to pick up all three points.

The Scorpions lost just their fifth game of the season at the weekend, going down 2-1 versus the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium. Javier Saavedra scored a freak goal off of a set piece, but a brace from Fort Lauderdale’s inspirational player-coach Abe Thompson gave Fort Lauderdale a memorable win.

The Stars lack of form has seen the side fall down to sixth place in the standings, overtaken by the Strikers and Carolina RailHawks, as they hang onto the final playoff berth. Last season the Stars finished sixth place in the standings, clinching on the final day, only to win the NASL Championship Series.

Minnesota Stars FC vs. San Antonio Scorpions

Saturday, September 1, 2012— 8:30 P.M. EDT

NSC Stadium

Blaine, MN

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  San Antonio, 1-1-0, 4 points

                                              Minnesota                          San Antonio

Head Coach                       Manny Lagos                      Tim Hankinson

2012 Records                    5^th: 7-8-8, 29 points          1^st: 12-6-5, 42 points       

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

Goals Leader                     Simone Bracalello (5)       Pablo Campos (18)

                                               Martin Nuñez (5)            

Assists Leader                  Brian Kallman (4)               Esteban Bayona (5)

                                               Amani Walker (4)               Walter Ramirez (5)

Minnesota

• 5-1-4 at home
• Winless in last seven matches
• Last home win: 7/12 vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Suspended: None
• At risk of suspension: Neil Hlavaty, Martin Nuñez (four yellows)

Scorpions

• 4-4-3 on the road
• First team to clinch playoff berth
• One win in last seven away matches
• Suspended: Walter Ramirez (accumulation)
• At risk: Aaron Pitchkolan (seven yellows); Fabian Kling, (four yellows)