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Nine-Goal Thriller in Carolina Headlines Wild Night of Fall Season

September 20, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK (September 20, 2014) - Week 11 of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season had plenty to offer. The Carolina RailHawks topped the New York Cosmos in a match that featured nine second-half goals, Fort Lauderdale Strikers midfielder Fafa Picault scored the fastest goal of the year after just 28 seconds, and Minnesota United FC reclaimed its spot atop both the Fall and Combined Standings with a 2-0 road win over the San Antonio Scorpions.

In just four games, 17 goals were scored and 12 points were claimed, with the RailHawks, Strikers, United, and Ottawa Fury FC all picking up wins. Week 11 isn't over yet either, as FC Edmonton hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sunday afternoon in another key Fall Season clash on ESPN3.

San Antonio Scorpions 0, Minnesota United FC 2

In a matchup between the league's top two teams, United put together a comprehensive performance, snapping the Scorpions' impressive home unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas. United midfielder Miguel Ibarra, one of the league's brightest young stars, stole the show, finding the net in each half to send his team two points clear of the Scorpions in the Fall Standings and five above them in the Combined Standings.

"I thought we did a great job of managing the game defensively and keeping our shape," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "I still think we could have possessed the ball a little bit better, but we really got back with numbers and made it hard for San Antonio to create chances."

Carolina RailHawks 5, New York Cosmos 4

Perhaps the wildest game of the year came at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday night, with the RailHawks knocking off the Cosmos, 5-4. In a game that was scoreless at halftime, the Railhawks exploded early in the second half, going 4-1 up by the 67th minute. A pair of goals from forward Devon Sandoval, along with a goal apiece from midfielders Leo Osaki and Enzo Martinez, sent the home fans into a frenzy.

After Cosmos defender Jimmy Ockford pulled one back to make it 4-2, RailHawks forward Zack Schilawski found the net to restore his team's three-goal lead. The Cosmos got a pair of late goals from forwards Mads Stokkelien and Stefan Dimitrov, but it wasn't enough to earn them any points in what was a crazy game in the Triangle.

"There was a 'never say die' attitude about both teams and there were a lot of goals as a result," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "Obviously we made it a lot harder than we should have done because we weren't defending well, but it was a great response from halftime. Three points is what's most important from tonight."

Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2, Indy Eleven 1

Boosted by the announcement about new ownership on Friday, the Strikers didn't waste any time finding the net in their 2-1 win over Indy Eleven at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday night. Forward Fafa Picault scored just 28 seconds into the game, giving the Strikers a dream start in front of their home fans. Indy Eleven equalized through defender Jaime Frias just before halftime, but a goal from forward Martin Nunez midway through the second half sealed all three points for the Strikers.

"I think we played really well against an unbelievably good team. We didn't allow them to have too many chances, and we created some good opportunities," said Strikers Head Coach Gunter Kronsteiner. "It was important to get these three points, especially at home, against a very good team."

Atlanta Silverbacks 0, Ottawa Fury FC 3

Ottawa Fury FC grabbed its third road win in five games, beating the Atlanta Silverbacks convincingly at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Forward Pierre-Rudolph Mayard opened the scoring less than three minutes into the game, stunning the Atlanta faithful. Brazilian forward Oliver added to Fury FC's lead a few minutes before halftime. After the Silverbacks were reduced to ten men late in the second half, midfielder Carl Haworth scored a third for Fury FC, making the three points a certainty.

"It's important to keep our dream alive and our dream is to make it to The Championship," said Fury FC Head Coach Marc Dos Santos. "It's an ambitious one, and it's one that seems a little bit impossible, but we're fighting one game at a time. We have a team with a lot of character and passion and I think our dream is possible."

Sunday, September 21

FC Edmonton vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - 4 p.m. ET (2 p.m. MT)

Clarke Stadium; Edmonton, Alta.

Watch live on NASLLive.com.

NASL Fall Season Week 10 Scores

San Antonio Scorpions 0, Minnesota United FC 2

Carolina RailHawks 5, New York Cosmos 4

Atlanta Silverbacks 0, Ottawa Fury FC 3

Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2, Indy Eleven 1

FC Edmonton vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - 4 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local time)

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 20, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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