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NASL Fall Season Week 12 Summary

October 19, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


Miami, FL - Fort Lauderdale Strikers played spoiler as they thrashed the Atlanta Silverbacks 6-2 to end any mathematical hopes some of their rivals had of earning a berth at NASL Soccer Bowl 2013.

Now either the New York Cosmos or Tampa Bay Rowdies will travel to face the Silverbacks in NASL Soccer Bowl 2013 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Saturday, November 9 at 7.30pm ET.

The Strikers win means the Silverbacks cannot add the NASL Fall Season title to the Spring Season silverware they won in July, so the San Antonio Scorpions and Carolina RailHawks are eliminated from finishing as the second-best team over the course of both seasons. Earlier on Saturday, Minnesota United FC was eliminated by a 1-0 home loss to the RailHawks.

The Rowdies kept their hopes alive with a 1-0 home victory over the Scorpions thanks to a Luke Mulholland penalty - but the Cosmos can secure their right to play for the championship by winning at home to FC Edmonton at 4pm ET on Sunday at Hofstra University.

"We wish Edmonton all the best," said Rowdies coach Ricky Hill.

"The Cosmos are a great side as they have shown during the recent results and are playing great ball."

The pivotal Cosmos-Eddies clash airs live on www.OneWorldSports.com/watch V38_Zrr2rG3leeqP00sI0v4LXf_SVjEW19XQ] where prior registration is required before accessing the live One World Sports stream. The game is not available through Ustream and is also broadcast on SNY TV on tape delayed at 8pm ET.

Defender Iván Guerrero was the star of the Strikers' six-goal show as recorded four assists for Fort Lauderdale. Yaikel Pérez and Bradlee Baladez scored two goals apiece while Martin Nuñez and Carlos Salazar each chipped in with one.

"It was an interesting game to watch and everything was exciting," said Strikers coach Gunter Kronsteiner. "I think the other team underestimated us and we were motivated. Nobody can come to Fort Lauderdale and say they can beat this team easily."

An Enzo Martinez strike proved the difference between Carolina and Minnesota as the RailHawks won away from home for the first time in 2013, in stark contrast to their home form that has seen them unbeaten at WakeMed Soccer Park this year.

"It feels good and it's been a long time coming and that was pretty much what cost us the spring championship," said a reflective RailHawks coach Colin Clarke.

All eyes are now on Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, where the New York Cosmos can clinch the open berth at NASL Soccer Bowl 2013 with a victory over FC Edmonton at 4pm ET on Sunday.

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North American Soccer League Stories from October 19, 2013


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