Minnesota Stars Reveal Alternate Kit in Honor of Minnesota Kicks Legacy
The NSC Minnesota Stars revealed for the first time this season their Alternate kit. The specially-designed uniform was created uniquely for the Stars by Admiral Soccer who supplied the original NASL Minnesota Kicks uniforms. Admiral is the supplier and sponsor of this year’s Minnesota Stars uniform.
To honor the Kicks and the old North American Soccer League, the Minnesota Stars will wear these uniforms for all games against former NASL opponents which would include FC Tampa Bay and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Former Minnesota Kicks players and their families attended the game last night as they were honored on the field with the unveiling of the uniforms. Those honored were Alan Merrick, Tony Pesznecker and Alan Willey.
Alan Merrick started his career with West Bromwich Albion and moved to Minnesota to play with the Kicks in 1976 where he stayed for 4 years, making 103 appearances and scoring 4 goals. The tough-nosed defender who was also captain of the team played for several other NASL teams before moving back to play for the Kicks in 1981, playing in 12 games and scoring 2 goals. He made one appearance for the US National Team in 1983 and coached the Minnesota Strikers indoor team from 1984-1988.
Merrick makes his home in the Twin Cities and has been very involved with youth soccer and owned the Twin Cities first indoor soccer facility.
Tony Pesznecker played for the Kicks in 1980-1981 making 42 appearances with 5 goals. Pesznecker went on to spend 5 years with the Thunder, from 1990-1995, and also was an assistant coach to Buzz Lagos years later. Pesznecker has stayed in the area and has been highly involved with youth soccer during that time.
Alan Willey started his career with Middlesbrough. He played for the Kicks from 1976 to 1981 where he made 134 appearances and scored 85 goals, making him the 2nd highest goal scorer ever in the 1st generation of the North American Soccer League. He also is a member of the US National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Willey also continues to live in the Twin Cities.
Comments are closed.
I have to admit that my first reaction last night was “Ah! Putrid!”. As the game went on though I found myself actually liking the kit a great deal. A point was made elsewhere this morning that there is something to be said for a memorable color combination, and this definitely qualifies.
Good to see Alan Willey again, he was my hero as a young player.
Mine too.
Sadly, I’m not a very big fan of the new jersey.
Are those actually the colors from the old Kicks days? There could be a number of variables playing with the colors in the photo, but to me, the blue looks too grey and the orange looks like it’s from the interior of a carhartt jacket. I can barely read the word “Admiral” without getting a headache.
Like I said, though, it could all just be the photograph.
I’d really like to see one in person before passing judgment.
I love them, but I live in a city that worships the Oilers and the colour scheme doesn’t phase me in the slightest.
Super Rookie approves of the kits.
Which one rook?
YES! YES! YES!
great 3rd kit, great marketing move for us die-hard Kick’s fans folding old with the new.
I approve
where are Willey’s big curls?
I hate to admit it, but I endured more than a few trip to the stylist to maintain my ” Willey Soccer Fro” during High School.
I am ordering my authentic kit Tuesday AM! Come on you Stars!
They’re not bad. But…..
“To honor the Kicks and the old North American Soccer League, the Minnesota Stars will wear these uniforms for all games against former NASL opponents which would include FC Tampa Bay and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.”
REALLY?! I really, really, really hope this isn’t the precursor to the Stars deciding that they’re going to be named the Kicks next year. I get nostalgia, I guess, but the Kicks haven’t existed in thirty years; is there a need to drag their legacy through the mud?
It sure seems to be working for Ft. Lauderdale, KJ.
Ft. Lauderdale is not a proven entity yet, BQ.
Granted they have shown some spark, but that long term consistency will be the proven goal. I do believe kudos are to be given to the local guru that Traffic employed on the marketing side. He has done a great job of jacking up the local numbers so far.
I like the alternate kit and the honor they are paying the Kicks.