NASL Week 12 Preview

June 20, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


MIAMI, Fla. - The North American Soccer League Spring Season standings show top of the table Atlanta Silverbacks just a point ahead of the Carolina RailHawks and Minnesota United FC on their tail with three weeks of action remaining before the summer break.

But with only nine points separating first through last place, for even the clubs that have been eliminated from hosting Soccer Bowl, awarded to the champion of the spring campaign, finishing the season strongly could still increase the odds of qualifying for the November finale.

The fall winner will join the team that progresses from the spring, unless the same team wins both seasons, in which case combined records from all games will decide the berth and the next-best team qualifies. So for the eliminated FC Edmonton and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, as well as Minnesota United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and San Antonio Scorpions - who all fight to stay in the race this weekend - three points could prove a valuable commodity.

"We know that our chances to win the Spring Season are slim after Saturday's loss, but we will go to Atlanta in search of the win as it may be crucial in the long run," said Tampa Bay Rowdies coach Ricky Hill, whose side travels to face the league-leading Silverbacks.

"Atlanta is a very talented team and April's match was an example of how dangerous they can be. We can't rely on scoring two or three goals each match to get the three points, and it all starts with not allowing any goals in our net."

When the teams met in Tampa on April 20 at Al Lang Stadium, the Rowdies let a 3-1 lead slip to eventually lose 4-3 and Atlanta is currently enjoying a worst-to-first season having ended last season at the foot of the table.

Breathing down the Silverbacks' necks are the Carolina RailHawks, whose planned return to top spot was denied by a 1-1 draw away to FC Edmonton last weekend. They face third-placed Minnesota United FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, on a weekend when any one of three clubs could climb into pole position.

"This weekend against Minnesota is a very big game," said RailHawks coach Colin Clarke. "It's the start of an important two weeks of NASL play. The good thing for us is that our next two matches are at home and we have performed well at home. It's important to go out and continue that success at home starting Saturday night."

The clash will see United strikers Pablo Campos and Etienne Barbara return to their old stomping ground, only in 2011 when the sides met in the playoff semi finals, the pair lined up for Carolina in a thrilling second leg. Minnesota carried a 1-0 lead into the game, which ended with the aggregate score tied at 4-4 before the visitors won on penalties on their way to the 2011 title.

Minnesota is in the strange position of battling for the league lead while also guarding against elimination from hosting Soccer Bowl contention. United must win or draw against Carolina, or lose and hope that Atlanta fails to win to stay in the race.

The Rowdies need to beat Atlanta and rely on Carolina and Minnesota to draw, while the San Antonio Scorpions face the most complicated scenario. Tim Hankinson's side, which has three games remaining, must win at home to FC Edmonton coupled with either Atlanta or Carolina failing to win. Or they can draw provided Carolina and Minnesota draw and Atlanta loses.

So the best plan of attack for all concerned is to target a win and three points towards whichever scenario best leads down the road to Soccer Bowl.

Week 12 Schedule- (All kickoff times US EST)

Saturday, June 22

Carolina RailHawks vs. Minnesota United FC

WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C. 7:00 pm

Atlanta Silverbacks vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Atlanta Silverbacks Park, Atlanta, Ga. 7:30 pm

San Antonio Scorpions vs. FC Edmonton

Toyota Field, San Antonio, Texas 8:30 pm

Bye week: Fort Lauderdale Strikers

All games will be streamed live and can be watched via the NASL official website www.NASL.com and at each respective team website.

NASL Standings

This Week In The NASL

NASL Player of Week 11

Midfielder Cesar Elizondo and forward Ty Shipalane scored three of the Carolina RailHawks' four goals last week between them, including the game-winner at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round against CD Chivas USA and the equalizer in Week 11 versus FC Edmonton. Their performances have earned them a share of the North American Soccer League Player of the Week honors. Both have also struck five of the last six RailHawks goals with Costa Rican Elizondo notching three, with one assist, while South African Shipalane has two goals, along with two assists.

"Tiyi and Cesar have had a great past nine days and shown up big time in key moments for the team. They are very deserving of the recognition. Hopefully they can continue their run of form over the next two weeks as well, to finish of the NASL Spring Season and U.S. Open Cup quarter final round." - RailHawks coach Colin Clarke

NASL Team of Week 11

Goalkeeper

Jeremy Vuolo, SAS

Kept the Rowdies at bay as he made six saves

Defenders

Stephen DeRoux, SAS

Jamaican born was solid at left back and created going forward

Albert Watson, FCE

Native of Northern Ireland put on a captain's performance in defense

Willie Hunt, ATL

Commanded at the back as the Silverbacks kept a clean sheet

Midfielders

Kevin Harmse, SAS

Canadian assisted on both Scorpions goals

Cesar Elizondo, CAR

Costa Rican scored the equalizing goal and was lively up front

Richie Menjivar, ATL

El Salvadoran held his nerve to score the game-winning penalty kick

Jemal Johnson, FTL

Provided an attacking threat with three shots from midfield

Forwards

Hans Denissen, SAS

Dutch scored the winning goal having come off the bench

Michael Cox, FCE

Canadian born scored with a decisive finish

Carl Cort, TBR

Guyanese came off the bench to score with a towering header

RailHawks Learn Potential Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Opponent

The Carolina RailHawks hope to again call on their loyal fans at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC, to create a rousing home field advantage to inspire them in a potential Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semi Final on August 7.

If Colin Clarke's North American Soccer League high-flyers can navigate their way through the Quarter Finals away to Real Salt Lake next Wednesday, their reward will be a final four home clash in the centennial edition of the historic national cup competition against either the Portland Timbers or FC Dallas.

Colin Miller Named Canada's Interim Coach For 2013 Gold Cup

Colin Miller, who is currently at the helm of the NASL's FC Edmonton, has been named Interim Head Coach for Canada at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup which is set to begin in Pasadena, California USA on July 7. Miller will join the Maple Leafs at the team's pre-tournament training camp following the conclusion of FC Edmonton's NASL Spring Season.

"I feel very privileged and grateful to have been chosen to lead Canada into this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup," said Miller. "I need to thank FC Edmonton's organization for supporting me and allowing me to make the most of this amazing opportunity that the Canadian Soccer Association is entrusting me with."

RailHawks Host Friendly Against Mexican Side Puebla FC

NASL's Carolina RailHawks will host two-time Mexican league champion, Puebla FC in a friendly scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at WakeMed Soccer Park on July 6. The match marks the second time a Mexican side visits Cary, North Carolina in 2013 as Pumas UNAM came to the Triangle on March 20, and topped the RailHawks 2-1 in front of a record crowd of 8,054.

"The Carolina RailHawks are committed to hosting additional high level soccer matches. Puebla is a two-time Mexican Champion and former CONCACAF Champion. They have a history of success and a roster filled with talent. It will be another strong test for the RailHawks and we look forward to competing against them on July 6th." - RailHawks President Curt Johnson.

Strikers To Face Cruzeiro Of Brazil This Sunday

NASL's Fort Lauderdale Strikers will host Brazilian side Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in a friendly set for this Sunday, June 23, at 7:30 pm at Lockhart Stadium. The match comes just before the Strikers' final home encounter of the NASL Spring Season (June 29th vs. San Antonio Scorpions), while Cruzeiro is currently fifth in the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A campaign.

"We are very happy with the level of fan excitement we have seen grow for this game and for our team. Between the growing Strikers fan base and the local Cruzeiro fans we expect a great atmosphere at the stadium." - Strikers President Tom Mulroy.

Boakai Becomes Youngest Ever To Play In The NASL

FC Edmonton midfielder Hanson Boakai made his professional debut for the North American Soccer League club last weekend against the Carolina RailHawks, replacing Sadi Jalali in the 65th minute. Stepping onto the field earned Boakai the title of the youngest player to ever play in the NASL. At 16 years and 231 days, he beat the previous record holder who was none other than his FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller, who made his debut with the Toronto Blizzard in 1982 when he was 17-years-old.

"[Miller] said 'okay kid, now's your time,'" Boakai explained about the moments before heading into the game. "It was really special because I look up to Colin a lot."

Cosmos Return With A Preseason Win

The New York Cosmos opened their preseason with a 6-0 win against the Newtown Pride FC in their first match since 1984. Played at New Britain, CT's Veterans Memorial Stadium, the match was part of Soccer Revolution, with all proceeds going towards the Newtown Parent Connection.



North American Soccer League Stories from June 20, 2013


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central