ST. LOUIS, MO (September 11, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, lost 3-0 to the NSC Minnesota Stars Saturday night at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park. The lose put a dent in St. Louis’ playoff hopes. With just four games remaining in their inaugural season AC St. Louis now trails Minnesota by five points for the eighth and final playoff position.

“On a night when we needed our best, and on a night when we really needed to perform, we just did not get it done,” reflected Head Coach Dale Schilly. “We were okay early, but we self destructed. I have never seen the wheels come off like that for us in the middle of a game. I have never seen us emotionally lose it, or lose our focus because of what was happening on the field. I was surprised by that.”

Minnesota got on the board on a 25th minute goal by Simone Bracalello. Scott Lorenz created the goal by holding the ball well near the 18-yard box. Lorenz then laid off a pass to Bracalello who was able to turn and release a right-footed shot that found its way cleanly past Alec Dufty into the near side right post. Minnesota added another in the 33rd minute when Daniel Wasson crossed over the top of the goalmouth to find Ely Allen streaking in at the back post for a sharp finish.

Simone Bracalello struck for a third goal in the 45th minute from a free kick at the top of the penalty box that followed a large scrum. Multiple yellow cards were issued following the altercation, which begun with an exchange involving Mark Bloom and Minnesota’s Lucas Rodriguez. The teams would play a scoreless second half on an increasingly sloppy track. The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park absorbed over three inches of rain since Friday morning.

AC St. Louis next returns home on Saturday, September 18, against the Austin Aztex. Tickets for the match are still available. Call 1-888-STL-GOAL or visit www.ac-stlouis.com.

ABOUT AC ST. LOUIS
AC St. Louis will play its first year of professional soccer in the USSF Division 2 Pro League in 2010. The team was formally launched in November of 2009. AC St. Louis will play their home games at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in suburban St. Louis. Season tickets and group tickets for AC St. Louis are currently on sale. For information call 1-888-STL-GOAL.