The Stars began their 2011 North American Soccer League with a last-minute win in Atlanta against the reborn Silverbacks. The match appeared destined for a draw before Andrei Gotsmanov's stoppage time free kick stole all three points for the Stars at Silverback Park. Japanese midfielder Kentaro Takada opened the scoring for the Stars in the 57th minute, converting from about 12 yards out on a pass for Jeff Cosgriff. The lead didn't last long, however, as Atlanta midfielder Matt Horth converted from close range in the 64th minute to bring the Silverbacks level. The final 25 minutes were evenly contested, and a draw seemed in the cards before Gotsmanov's late winner. Both teams started fairly slow as the first half yielded few clear-cut opportunities. While both teams created chances near goal, neither was able to force a clear save out of the opposing goalkeeper, and the most notable moment of the first 45 minutes was an early exit for Atlanta midfielder Ciaran O'Brien, who left the match early with a hamstring injury. That changed soon after halftime as the tempo of the game lifted. Atlanta created the first goal-scoring chance of the half in the 51st minute, but Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren came off his line well to stop Horth's breakaway. Six minutes later the Stars had a 1-0 lead. Cosgriff's pass found Takada unmarked in the box, and after a touch to control the Japanese midfielder buried his chance into the side netting. The lead didn't last for the Stars, however, as Horth pulled the hosts level on 64 minutes. Mario Perez crossed the ball into the Stars' area, and Horth found space inside the goal area to even up the score from a tight angle. The remainder of the second half was back-and-forth, but like the first half, neither team could find a game winner. That changed in stoppage time. The Stars drew a foul on the right wing, and the left-footed Gotsmanov stepped up to take the free kick from what appeared to be a crossing position. Instead, the Stars midfielder went for goal, and Atlanta goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer could only get his fingertips to the ball as it found the side netting less than a minute before the final whistle. With the win, the Stars start the season with a 1-0-0 record. In other NASL action, the Puerto Rico Islanders scored late on the road to claim a 2-1 win at the Carolina RailHawks; FC Edmonton won 2-1 at the Fort Lauderdale Strikers; and FC Tampa Bay won 1-0 at home against the Montreal Impact. The Stars play two more road games before their April 30 home opener against Carolina. The Stars travel to Fort Lauderdale Friday, April 15, and to Puerto Rico on Tuesday, April 26. For season or single-game tickets, call 763-792-7355 or visit NSCMinnesotaTickets.com.
