NASL Week Eight Recap
Published on May 26, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release
(MIAMI, Fla, May 26, 2013) - FC Edmonton suffered a first home loss of the 2013 North American Soccer League season and surrendered a one hundred percent record at Clarke Stadium to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who won on the road for the first time as they edged a 1-0 win in Canada.
The Eddies missed out on a chance to go level with three teams tied on points in second place behind league leaders the Atlanta Silverbacks with the loss. The Strikers climbed off the foot of the table and to within four points of the chasing pack.
The difference between the sides was a penalty kick tucked away by Carlos Salazar after 68 minutes, beating substitute goalkeeper John Smits who had saved an earlier penalty from Stefan Dimitrov, which was awarded as starting keeper Lance Parker received a red card.
On Saturday, the Atlanta Silverbacks stole an 85th minute goal to defeat the San Antonio Silverbacks 1-0 in front of 4,422 home fans and took over at the top of the North American Soccer League standings.
Midfielder Danny Barrera struck just as a scoreless draw seemed destined to be the outcome and earned Atlanta the club's first pole position since joining the league in 2011. Substitute forward Kellen Gulley fired a shot off a Scorpions defender, and the ball fell right to Barrera, who converted off the hands of keeper Pat Hannigan to make it 1-0 in the 86th minute.
"To get a win from that game is fantastic, "said Silverbacks coach Brian Haynes. "It's the kind of game that can get bad if you make a defensive mistake and we got the win and I'm proud and happy for them. Good teams win ugly games and we just did that tonight."
Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson said: "I thought we defended well all night and it was unfortunate to concede the goal at the end but overall I'm pleased. We didn't create the attacks we needed."
Minnesota United avenged last week's 3-2 home defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies by turning the tables on the side that beat them in last season's Soccer Bowl with a 3-2 win at Al Lang Stadium.
Three goals inside a 16-minute spell proved the difference as United burst into a 3-1 lead in the first half only for the hosts to claw their way back before the break then a goalless second half saw the visitors hold on for three precious points.
"What a great series," said United coach Manny Lagos. "To have ten goals in two games, it was great and obviously we're delighted that tonight we came out on top. It was really important for us to come out and play hard and play strong. Both teams battled and I was really proud of the guys to see the game out."
A late push by the reigning NASL Champions was well handled by the Minnesota defense, and the Rowdies remain winless at home this season, while unbeaten on the road with a perfect 3-0 record.
"I can't fault the players for the effort that they always put into their game," said Rowdies coach Ricky Hill. "I'm really disappointed that we've again conceded three goals at home and three within the first 20 minutes, which is an elementary mistake. If we have to score four goals at home to win every time, we can't do that."
North American Soccer League Week Eight Results
Sunday, May 26
FC Edmonton 0 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1
Saturday, May 25
Atlanta Silverbacks 1 San Antonio Scorpions 0
Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 Minnesota United 3
Bye week: Carolina Railhawks
North American Soccer League Stories from May 26, 2013
- Strikers Shut out FC Edmonton in 1-0 Road Victory - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NASL Week Eight Recap - NASL
- Ten-men Eddies allow a goal on second penalty of game, lose 1-0 - FC Edmonton
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