NSC Minnesota Stars: A new soccer team but an old, familiar face

The decision by the NSC Minnesota Stars soccer team to make Johnny Menyongar its ceremonial first player signed was appropriate for several reasons.

Both the first-year franchise and the veteran forward arrived at this place after a tumultuous offseason. The Stars arose out of the ashes of the Minnesota Thunder, a 20-year franchise that saw its run end in financial ruin. Meanwhile, Menyongar, a Thunder standout from 2000 to '05, rehabilitated from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in September.

Brought in to provide an offensive spark and display a professional attitude, Menyongar returns to the National Sports Center in Blaine for a game Saturday night against FC Tampa Bay.

The Thunder reached the playoffs only once in the past five seasons. Menyongar hopes to extended the Stars' inaugural season into the playoffs. The team is 1-2 so far this season.

"It's all about being together as a team for one cause," Menyongar said. "If we can do that, it's going to be fun."

The Stars are part of the new, 12-team United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned Division 2 professional league. The Stars roster is dotted with Thunder players -- including Menyongar, Melvin Tarley and Joe Warren -- who remember the now-defunct organization as a more stable and successful environment in the early 2000s.

New coach Manny Lagos -- whose father, Buzz, coached those Thunder teams -- hopes to reclaim past glories for the new Stars. But signing Menyongar, Manny Lagos said, was not about nostalgia. Menyongar recently was named the No. 2 player of the decade in second division soccer in the United States. And he was the Rochester Rhinos' Most Valuable Player the past two seasons.

Menyongar, a Fridley resident since 2000, said he envisioned a return to Minnesota down the road. But circumstances sped up the timetable.

"I talked with my agent and family after getting injured and decided to go home for a year or two before I explore other avenues," said Menyongar, who received interest from other soccer teams prior to this season. "And since there is a new franchise, it was perfect timing. I could come here and help them."

Menyongar, who scored 56 goals in his six seasons with the Thunder, said he is almost 100 percent recovered from the knee injury and is confident he can play the attacking style for which he is known. In three games this season, Menyongar's veteran poise has impressed Lagos.