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New York Cosmos Look To Avenge Only Loss Of The Season Against Carolina

October 9, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


(MIAMI, Fla. October 9, 2013) - The New York Cosmos look to avenge their only loss of the NASL Fall Season and remain on top of the 2013 North American Soccer League standings when they host the Carolina RailHawks at Hofstra University on Saturday at 7pm ET.

A win will put the Cosmos within striking distance of qualifying for the NASL Soccer Bowl 2013 in Atlanta, although none of the clubs chasing the right to meet the Atlanta Silverbacks on November 9 can clinch that prize this weekend.

Carolina currently sits in third place in the table on goal difference, level with three other teams (Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Minnesota United FC) with 14 points each, but has not won on the road in their last 13 games. Meanwhile, the Cosmos are on a seven-game unbeaten streak since suffering their only loss to the RailHawks, 3-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park on August 17.

"We have another final this weekend," said Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese, whose sided is coming off their fourth consecutive win last week at Minnesota, 1-0. "Carolina's a tough team that made it difficult for us when we played them at their home, so now we are focused on them. We enjoyed the Minnesota victory because the guys deserved it, but our focus has already switched to Carolina and Saturday night."

The NASL Week 11 action continues on Saturday with the Florida derby as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers visit the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St Petersburg at 7.30pm ET. The match-up is the conclusion of the seasonal state rivalry clash known as the Costal Cup, with the Rowdies having won the last three and able to clinch their fourth consecutive crown with a win or draw.

Beaten last week by the Strikers, 2-1, the Rowdies aim to maintain their perfect record at home (5-0-0) against their rival. Both sides bid to move up in the standings and back into the hunt for the Fall Season crown with a victory on Saturday.

"We've been down before and we have shown the audacity to never give up," said Rowdies coach, Ricky Hill. "Mathematically we are still in the hunt. With three of the last four matches being played at Al Lang, I know the fans will back this team up and support us through the finish."

Also on Saturday, the Atlanta Silverbacks return home to face Minnesota United FC at the site of this year's NASL Soccer Bowl, Atlanta Silverbacks Park, at 7.30pm ET as both clubs look to rebound after coming off 1-0 losses last week. The 2013 Spring Season title winners are searching for their first-ever victory at home against Minnesota.

"We're playing a team that has beaten us at home before and we need to make sure that we come out with a good intensity and that we don't give anything up," said Silverbacks coach Brian Haynes, whose squad has lost three times and drawn twice against United in Atlanta. "I truly believe if we can play a game of that nature where we don't give anything up, then we can come out of it with a win. It's not going to be easy, but at the same time I believe the guys are up for the challenge."

Rounding out the NASL Week 11 play will be a Sunday afternoon match-up as the San Antonio Scorpions conclude their two-game home-stand when they take on FC Edmonton at Toyota Field.

Both sides are coming off much needed victories last week and the Scorpions hold a slim lead in the head-to-head series, having won all three of their home encounters against the Eddies.

"I was so proud with how the lads played against a quality RailHawks side who were desperate for three points on Sunday, as were we," said FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller. "The win kept us in with a chance and the attitude in training all week has been phenomenal. Now it's up to the guys to carry that into Sunday's game against a Scorpions team that will undoubtedly be at their best in front of a home crowd this weekend."

NASL Week 11 Schedule -

(All kickoff times US EST)

Saturday, October 12

New York Cosmos vs. Carolina RailHawks

James M. Shuart Stadium; Hempstead, N.Y. 7:00 pm

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla. 7:30 pm

Atlanta Silverbacks vs. Minnesota United FC

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

Sunday, October 6

San Antonio Scorpions vs. FC Edmonton

Toyota Field; San Antonio, Tex. 2:30 pm

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