Minnesota Thunder is out; NSC Stars are Minnesota's new professional soccer team

When Minnesotans think of professional soccer in Minnesota, they think of the very popular Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder have been around for twenty long seasons in Minnesota. Those who grew up with this franchise will see it no longer. 2009 was the last official season for the Thunder because of financial problems. In November 2009, the franchise had to release the players and coaching staff from their contracts because the organization just could not keep up with the economics of a professional soccer team.

Where are Minnesotans going to enjoy and watch professional soccer games in the summer now? The year 2010 introduced a whole new franchise to the state of Minnesota called the NSC Minnesota Stars. This team looks to continue and improve the Minnesota soccer tradition with a combination of former Thunder athletes and new, young players.

After the Thunder only making the postseason one time in the last five years, the veteran leaders of the old Thunder team hope to give Minnesotans something to cheer about and to revive the game of soccer in the United States. The NSC Stars play their home games at the National Sports Center in Blaine as they have already started their first season playing in the United States Federation Division 2 professional league.

Some of the former Thunder soccer stars who have made their way over to NSC Minnesota include Johnny Menyongar, Melvin Tarley, and Joe Warren. The Stars really like these players because they have very good leadership skills, and they provide a lot of energy to score goals. These players have the right attitudes for a soccer team, and they play smart soccer in order to win games.

Many people remember Buzz Lagos as the coach for many years for the Minnesota Thunder. Well, his son, Manny Lagos, is going to be coaching the NSC Stars and try to follow in his father's Minnesota soccer footsteps. The Thunder may be gone, but the future of soccer in Minnesota looks bright for the fans, players, and coaches of the NSC Minnesota Stars.

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