July 27, 2012 – The Minnesota Stars FC will visit Puerto Rico on Saturday, July 28 to face the Islanders in their final match at Bayamón Soccer Complex. The Islanders are currently in third place in league standings with 28 points, and MN Stars FC in fourth with 26. It is a critical six pointer towards the top of the table, with three points vital to the playoff push of both teams heading into the final third of the season. Admission at Bayamón Soccer Complex, as always, will be free of charge. The next home match for the Puerto Rico Islanders will be August 18, at their new home, the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.

“It’s our final game at BSC, our temporary home whilst the Juan Ramon Loubriel was being renovated. We have to push harder than ever to return to our home stadium with a final 3 points this weekend. The boys are ready, so come give your team the support they need to help us onto victory” said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread.

This will be the second match between the teams, who met earlier this month in Minnesota. The Islanders were drubbed 4-0 in the last match of a long distance road trip. La Tropa Naranja will look to even out the season series on the island, where they have enjoyed much of their season’s success. Puerto Rico has dropped their last two matches away from home, but with the arrival of four new signings and a match on home soil, the Islanders will look to begin their push to the October playoffs.

FIRING AWAY

Italian goal scorer Simone Bracalello of Stars FC continues be a leader in shots attempted on goal (49, 3rd in NASL). His ambitious approach paid off last time out against the Islanders, scoring the dagger second goal at NSC Stadium just before the halftime whitsle. Jonathan Faña leads the Islanders with 30 attempts on goal.

KEEPER AT THE GATE

Richard Martin is quietly and professionally putting together a fantastic year for the Islanders. He sets the precedent for goalkeepers in the NASL with a GAA of 1.06 this year and has produced 69 highlight reel saves (3rd in NASL).

SOCCER SPECIFIC HOMECOMING

This will be the final game played in the month of July, and the final match played at Bayamón Soccer complex. The Islanders will move to their new home, Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium for their next home game, Saturday, August 18th against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.