AC ST. LOUIS LOSE LATE TO MINNESOTA 3-2

ST. LOUIS, MO (May 29, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, fell to the NSC Minnesota Stars 3-2 on Saturday night in Minnesota. AC St. Louis’ season record now stands at 1-7-1. St. Louis twice led in the game but could not close out the match as they surrendered a late goal to Neil Hlavaty, and lost the chance to at least earn a draw. Hlavaty’s goal came after St. Louis had led or were at least level for the almost entire game.

Midfielder Steve Ralston made his first start for his hometown team since recovering from ACL surgery. Ralston played in 33 minutes of last week’s loss to Tampa Bay. The veteran’s presence paid off in the opening minutes of the first half and culminated in the set up of a 25th minute goal from Luke Kreamalmeyer. Ralston was played into space on the right wing where he attacked the Minnesota penalty area after knocking the ball forward twice. Ralston’s early cross found Gauchinho in the penalty area where the Brazilian was able to slide Ralston’s pass to Kreamalmeyer for a quick finish and a 1-0 AC St. Louis lead. The goal was the first of the year for Kreamalmeyer, and represented just the second time AC St. Louis established a lead in a game.

The lead would not last. Minnesota drew level just before halftime as Daniel Wasson beat Alec Dufty. Brian Cvilikas assisted on the goal that turned St. Louis’s first half into a disappointment since they had the better chances throughout.

AC St. Louis was able to break down the Minnesota defense several times in the first half. Anthony O’Garro had the first quality chance for St. Louis but his shot found the chest of the Minnesota keeper. Minutes later Mike Ambersley found himself on the end of a ball that could have put St. Louis on top, but his effort was blocked. Gauchinho would fire wide from 18 yards minutes later as St. Louis took control of the first half.

The Minnesota duo of Wasson and Cvilikas almost hooked up to put the Stars head early on in the second half. Wasson found Cvilikas with a long diagonal forward ball. Cvilikas’ resulting header was well saved by Alec Dufty to keep the score knotted at 1-1.

The save proved big because St. Louis was able to retake the lead in the 65th minute on a goal from Brazilian midfielder Gauchinho. Gauchinho’s shot took a deflection and found the back of the net giving St. Louis a 2-1 lead. Again that lead would only last for a few minutes as Minnesota equalized in the 68th minute on a header from Kyle Altman inside the six-yard box.

But Hvalaty’s late goal proved to be the difference, earning Minnesota a come from behind win. St. Louis enters a bye week this week before returning to action on June 12 in Puerto Rico.

AC St. Louis returns home for a June 26 match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling 1-888-STL-GOAL, or by visiting www.ac-stlouis.com.

AC St. Louis vs. FC Tampa Bay Rowdies – USSF Division 2 Pro League
May 22, 2010 – The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, St. Louis, MO

SCORING SUMMARY:
STL 25th minute Luke Kreamalmeyer (assisted by Gauchinho)
MIN 64th minute Daniel Wasson (assisted by Cvilikas)
TAM 90th minute Long Tan (penalty kick)

LINEUPS:
STL STARTERS: Dufty; O’Garro, Barna, Nzinga, Bloom; Moore, Kreamalmeyer, Gauchinho, Ralston; Ambersley, Cosgriff

TAM: Sattler; Valentino, Valentin, Kljestan, Donoho; Adjeman-Pamboe, Milien, Tan, Nyazamba, Yamada; Wheeler

SUBSTITUTES:
STL 45th minute Stisser for Titton
TAM 56th minute Diaz for Valentino
TAM 56th minute Burt for Nyazamba
STL 57th minute Ralston for Kreamalmeyer
TAM 67th minute Yates for Adjeman-Pamboe
TAM 79th minute Gyorio for Donoho

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
TAM 17th minute Yellowcard – Valentino
STL 42nd minute Red Card – Velten
TAM 45th minute Yellowcard – Adjeman-Pamboe
STL 73rd minute Yellowcard – Jack Traynor
STL 89th minute Red Card – Traynor (second yellow)

STATS SUMMARY:
STL TAM
Total Shots: 10 18
Shots on Goal: 3 8
Saves: 5 3
Fouls: 9 19
Corners: 4 6
Offsides: 4 3

Referee: Miguel Panduro Jr.
Referee’s Assistants: Victor Herrera, Michael Dutt
4th official: Andy Wilkinson
attendance: 3,402
weather: 70, fair, clear, sunny.