ST. LOUIS, MO (June 22, 2010) – AC St. Louis defeated the NSC Minnesota Stars 1-0 in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tonight at National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. AC St. Louis will face the Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California next Tuesday night, June 29, in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Mike Ambersley once again found the back of the net for St. Louis as he opened the scoring with a 35th minute goal. St. Louis came forward to win a corner where Ambersley met Luke Kreamalmeyer’s delivery with a full volley for a stunning goal. The goal was Ambersley’s second in the U.S. Open Cup and his fourth of the season in all competitions.

Minnesota turned up the heat in the second half, coming close several times but were not able to find the back of the net. Dufty stopped a Melvin Tarley shot in the 65th minute, used an outstretched leg to deny Ely Allen in the 56th minute, and stood tall as he forced a Brian Cvilikas shot to go wide minutes later as he kept St. Louis ahead.

Luke Kreamalmeyer nearly made it 2-0 in the 85th minute, but Minnesota keeper Joe Warren produced a good save. That save kept Minnesota’s hope’s alive, and they nearly equalized one minute later when substitute Geison Moura shot just high over the bar from a corner by Neil Hlavaty.

In stoppage time Alec Dufty collected an early corner by Minnesota as the St. Louis keeper continued his fine performance. St. Louis saw out the remaining six minutes of stoppage time to secure the win. The victory was the third in a row for AC St. Louis

The first half saw very few scoring chances until the 35th minute goal came, as both teams seemed to be content to be patient. St. Louis managed a two-on-one with Gauchinho and Stisser leading the charge, but Gauchinho over hit his pass for Stisser and a good chance went wanting. Minnesota managed to set up a corner midway through the second half but goalkeeper Alec Dufty handled the chance with steady hands for St. Louis.

AC St. Louis’ next home match in U.S.S.F. league play is this Saturday night, June 26, when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 1-888-STL-GOAL, or by clicking on the “tickets” tab at www.ac-stlouis.com.