There is only one Buzz Lagos. He was one of the founders of the Minnesota Thunder and coached the soccer team from its inception in 1990 through 2005. He has since moved to another soccer-related challenge, teaching the game to a younger generation at Higher Ground Academy in St. Paul.

His Thunder, too, moved on -- replaced by the Stars as the pro soccer team in Minnesota two years ago. Buzz will still call up on occasion to promote the cause of soccer or drop some pearls of wisdom. Last week, in fact, he ended a soccer talk with a certain writer by offering advice about starting a family.

But while there is only one Buzz, another member of the Lagos family is carrying on the family name and tradition in fine form. His son Manny -- who played for Buzz with the Thunder and later had a long and successful Major League Soccer career -- is the head coach of the Stars.

Not only did Manny lead the Stars to the NASL championship on Saturday with a 3-1 aggregate goals victory over Fort Lauderdale -- just as Buzz led the Thunder to the A-League title in 1999 -- but he also has become a champion for the sport in Minnesota.

"I can never really take the mantle from my dad," Manny Lagos said Sunday. "We had a ton of traveling fans in Fort Lauderdale, and so many of them were involved in the sport in some way, shape or form because of my father. ... But I do sometimes feel like a salesman for the team and game in Minnesota."

As such, Lagos has more than just celebrating a championship on his mind. He's relishing the moment, to be sure -- "They did the state proud," he said of his squad, which ran the table as the sixth and final seed in the playoffs -- and a celebration is planned for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis. But he's also hoping a little increased October exposure can help solidify the future of soccer in the state.

The Stars are currently owned by the league, an arrangement that provides short-term stability but is not a long-term solution. The team drew roughly 4,500 fans to the National Sports Center in Blaine for the first leg of its championship series against Fort Lauderdale last weekend, giving Lagos optimism that some of those new faces in the crowd will want to see more -- and that a potential buyer will take notice as well.

"I think they are certainly going to be related. It's the boost of winning," he said. "I know it's hard to explain, but on a global level, we are professional soccer champions. ... I think people are looking at Minnesota as a viable soccer market. I think we're tapping into that potential on and off the field."

Fighting that battle takes energy and a love of the sport. But Manny Lagos is finding plenty of rewards.

"It's gratifying. I have kids who go to school in the community. I really do love it here, and I love raising my kids here," he said. "To combine family life with still being involved in the sport ... I just really enjoy it."

That sounds a lot like something his dad would say.

MICHAEL RAND