Minnesota TwinStars continue playoff push

The Minnesota TwinStars continued a strong season of soccer last week, traveling from their home base in Brooklyn Park to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, amid their latest year in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The league has four teams in Minnesota, three of which are metro-based. The TwinStars are the oldest current NPSL club in the area.

The club played two games the week prior to this showdown, falling short in a 2-1 loss to St. Louis Park-based Joy Athletic on June 18. Spring Lake Park-alum Abdoulsalam Akinola scored for the TwinStars in that game. They then tied the Dakota Fusion 0-0 four days later.

The team then traveled to Sioux Falls on June 26 for a rematch with the Thunder amid a search to secure a conference playoff spot. The TwinStars earned a 0-0 draw, bringing home one point to remain third in the North Conference, two points ahead of Joy Athletic. The top four in the conference will advance to a two-round playoff for the conference championship and a spot in the regional tournament.

They also played the Lakeville-based MN Blizzard on June 29, after this edition went to press.

The Minnesota TwinStars will play two games the following week, traveling to Fargo to play the Fusion on Tuesday, July 2, before hosting Joy Athletic on Saturday, July 6, at Park Center’s Pride Stadium.