ST. LOUIS, MO (July 14, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, tied the NSC Minnesota Stars 2-2 on Wednesday night at The National Sports Center in front in Blaine, Minnesota in front of 2,091 fans. The draw gives St. Louis a record of 3-8-4 for 13 points.

Jeff Cosgriff opened the scoring for AC St. Louis in the 42-minute as he finished off a fine forward movement that was orchestrated by Chris Salvaggione. Salvaggione found himself with space and time as he ran at the Minnesota backline. Once Salvaggione approached the 18-yard box he laid off a ball to his right that Mark Bloom advanced and then crossed into the middle where Jeff Cosgriff took one touch to control and then buried his chance into the back of the net from six-yards out. The goal was Cosgriff second in the last two games; the assist went to Mark Bloom who has now scored a goal and an assist in his last three matches.

St. Louis nearly coughed up their 1-0 lead just before the half. Midfielder Troy Cole was whistled for a handball inside the penalty area. The infraction set up the first penalty kick that AC St. Louis has ever conceded. Minnesota’s Johnny Menyongar stepped up to take the chance, but was denied by Alec Dufty who faked slightly to his left then dove right to push the shot wide. Dufty then scrambled to his feet to get to the rebound and was able to clear it before Minnesota could turn it back on net. The half ended right after the penalty sequence as St. Louis took their 1-0 lead into the break.

Minnesota took the first good chance of the second half as Melvin Tarley got to the end of a long ball inside the St. Louis penalty area. Tarley’s shot was high over the bar, but his effort was greatly affected by a hard charging Alec Dufty who may well have blocked any shot that was lower.

Jeff Cosgriff made a bid for his second goal of the night in the 56th minute as he again found the ball at his feet from the six-yard box. Cosgriff’s chance was blocked well by Minnesota’s keeper who stood tall on his line. St. Louis would need just a few more minutes to find their second goal.

Once again Chris Salvaggione was involved and this time he would claim another brilliant goal. Jeff Cosgriff began the attack this time by feeding Salvaggione who worked a give and go with Luke Kreamalmeyer. Salvaggione buried the return ball to stake St. Louis to a 2-0 lead. The goal was Salvaggione’s second of the year, and second in as many games, but the tide turned shortly thereafter on St. Louis.

Minnesota had several chances to get on the board late but could not get any of their shots on frame until the 86th minute when Brian Cvilikas got his foot onto the end of a loose ball that bounced around the area. The goal gave Minnesota some late life and they capitalized on it. In the 91st minute Geison Moura got onto to the end of a long ball from Brian Cvilikas just inside the penalty area. Moura was able to loft his shot over Alec Dufty as the St. Louis defense began to falter. AC St. Louis held on for the draw but won’t be happy with the end result.

AC St. Louis next returns home on Saturday July 28 match against the Portland Timbers. Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling 1-888-STL-GOAL, or by visiting www.ac-stlouis.com.

AC St. Louis v. Montreal Impact – U.S.S.F Division II Pro League
July 14, 2010 – National Sports Center, Blaine, Minnesota

SCORING SUMMARY:
STL 42nd minute Cosgriff 2 (assisted by Bloom)
STL 65th minute Salvaggione 2 (assisted by Kreamalmeyer)
MIN 86th minute Cvilikas (unassisted)
MIN 91st minute Moura (assisted by Cvilikas)