FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. — It wasn't always pretty, and it wasn't always easy. But the Minnesota Stars' 0-0 draw against Fort Lauderdale in the final leg of the two-game, total-goal NASL championship series was all that was needed.
The Stars won the inaugural NASL championship on a 3-1 aggregate score against the Strikers following Minnesota's dominant first-leg victory a week ago at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Rain before Saturday's final match presented problems, as both teams struggled to get long passes on target, which played to the defensive-minded Stars' advantage.
"Our commitment to defend for 90 minutes was outstanding, and encapsulated what our team is all about," Stars coach Manny Lagos said.
Both teams missed on the few scoring chances that came their way. In the first half, Minnesota got an attacking free kick in the Strikers' half when Luke Mulholland played the ball into the box. Untouched, the ball appeared destined to fall into the back of the net, but Strikers goalie Matt Glaeser stepped up and dived to his left, putting enough on the ball to send it out of bounds.
The first half ended with the only serious scoring chance for the Strikers. Mike Palacio curled in a cross that found defender Toni Stahl in the back of the box. Stahl got his head on the ball, but it sailed just wide.
Despite earning nine corner kicks, the Strikers only forced veteran Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren into one save. Warren posted his 10th shutout of the season.
The Stars return to Minneapolis at 10:30 a.m. Monday. A championship celebration at Brit's Pub in downtown Minneapolis is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
