While Saturday’s match against Pocono Snow was postponed due to thunderstorms, Junior Lone Star returns to action on Tuesday in National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) play on Tuesday when they face Jersey City Eagles at 7:45pm (Cavens Point Sports Complex’s Cochrane Stadium Jersey City, NJ.)

Match coverage of the game starts just before kick-off with the Star’s CoveritLive thread As the game unfolds, you can post your comments in the CoveritLive thread or on the team’s Twitter feed. In-depth coverage after the game will include a match report, player stats, and a gallery of photos.

Video highlights of the game are available from midnight on match day while full match video will be available on Monday after match day by subscribing to the Star’s Youtube Channel.

Match Preview

Jersey City Eagles FC, like Junior Lone Star FC, is playing in their inaugural season in the NPSL; however, unlike the Stars, the Eagles have won their first game this season by coming from a goal down in the first half to win 2-1 away to AC Crusaders on Sunday, May 27th. Coached by former Manchester United forward, Kevin Grogan, the Eagles now hold a 1-1-0 conference record going into their home opener against the Stars.

Junior Lone Star FC will be looking for their first win this season after losing their first two games during the NPSL opening weekend. The Stars opened their inaugural season with a 0-2 loss away to FC Sonic on Friday, May 18th followed by another heartbreaking 3-4 loss away to AC Crusaders on Sunday, May 20th. The Stars were expected to play Pocono Snow FC on Saturday, May 26th but the match was postponed due to weather conditions in East Stroudsburg, PA. Junior Lone Star FC will be hoping to improve on a conference record of 0-2-0 and overall record of 11-7-3 since the 2011-2012 season started on August 1, 2011.

Lineups

Jersey City Eagles FC: To be announced.

Junior Lone Star FC: Prince Monyan; Anthony Dunor, James Geayea, Amadu Fofana, Idriss Fofana, Mohammed Mayah, Amadou Sheriff, Aba Zoegar; Fane Ayouba, Joe-Joe Jappah, Fatoma Turay, Justin Wright, Guillaume Zamble; Mohamed Camara, Dan Doe, Moses Jackson, Jerome Pour, Menuh Wiah.

Starting XI will be announced around 45 minutes before kick-off.

Players to Watch

Midfielder Mario Rio is considered one of the best players on the Eagles’ team. Rio played four seasons for Iona College where he won several awards. He was included in the 2009 NSCAA All-Region First Team and Second Team All-MAAC selection. He played 72 games for the Gaels, finishing with 30 points by scoring six goals and giving 18 assist. Mario Rio also scored the winner against AC Crusaders in Sunday night’s NPSL’s match.

Midfielder Fatoma Turay has been a revelation for the Stars this season. He came on as a substitute for the injured Jerome Pour in the first match and has since been the best player for the Stars in the last two games. Turay was a stand-out player at Wilmington University where he was selected in the 2009 NCAA Daktronics East Men’s Soccer First Team as well as All-Conference Selection. His amazing runs and defense-splitting passes have been a joy to see. Turay was named as Player of the Match against AC Crusaders after scoring a wonderful goal.

Another notable mention for the Stars is the club’s top scorer, forward Jerome Pour, who missed the match against AC Crusaders due to an ankle injury from the Stars’ first game last Friday against FC Sonic. Pour is now back in the squad and he will be looking to add on to his goals tally for the Stars. Pour leads the Stars in goals, eight so far in 15 appearances.

Looking Ahead

Jersey City Eagles FC’s next two games after Tuesday’s match:

Saturday, June 2 7:45pm vs. FC Sonic in NPSL match
Wednesday, June 13 7:00pm at FC Sonic in NPSL match

Junior Lone Star FC’s next two games after Tuesday’s match:

Sunday, June 3 5:00pm vs. Buxmont Torch FC in NPSL match
Wednesday, June 6 8:15pm at Morris County Colonials FC in NPSL match

Rivals Watch

Wednesday, May 30 6:00pm Pocono Snow FC vs. Greater Binghamton FC in Friendly match

Wednesday, May 30 8:15pm Morris County Colonials vs. AC Crusaders in NPSL match