The Stars scored twice in the second half against Tampa Bay, giving the team a 2-0 win and a two-goal advantage in the NASL championship series. Here’s the link to my SB Nation Minnesota recap.

It was quite the night in Blaine, it really was. The Stars drew a big crowd – 4,642 was the announced number, two or three times what they often draw. The stands opposite the team benches, where the Dark Clouds supporters group takes roost, usually have around 100 or 150 people in them. Tonight, that was more like 1,000.

I was on the sidelines when the second goal was scored in stoppage time, and I’m here to tell you that the place just went nuts. The fans opposite rushed towards the fence to celebrate with the barriers, knocking down part of the fence in the process. I think flares were lit. I think some of the fans in the pitchside seats rushed the field. At one point there may have been a car chase and a sword fight going on at midfield during the celebrations. It was wild. I thought Matt Van Oekel was going to start hugging reporters, he was that happy after the game.

It’s plausible that the Stars, who are owned by the league and who need to be authorized for another season of league ownership at a governors’ meeting this Saturday, just played their last game at home. If so, what a way to go out – a big, enthusiastic crowd, a two-goal home win, and the best performance of the year by a Stars team that’s once again peaking at the right time.