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Raúl Opens Cosmos Scoring Account, Headlining Exciting Night Of NASL Action

April 11, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK (April 11, 2014) - North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season action picked back up in four cities on Saturday night, and despite back-and-forth action in all of the matches, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers were the only team to walk away with three points.

The Strikers topped Jacksonville Armada FC, 2-1, in the first Florida Derby of 2015, getting goals from Brazilian duo Leo Moura and Victor "PC" Giro. Spanish legend Raúl opened his New York Cosmos scoring account, tallying a second-half equalizer to help his team earn a 1-1 draw on the road against Indy Eleven.

In a much-anticipated clash at Al Lang Stadium, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Minnesota United FC played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw, while the Atlanta Silverbacks used a second-half leveler from Canadian forward Kyle Porter to earn a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against Ottawa Fury FC.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2, Jacksonville Armada FC 1

The Armada FC visited the Strikers in its first ever Florida Derby, and despite playing a lively first half, the league newcomers left Lockhart Stadium without any points to show for it. Moura's goal from the penalty spot late in the first half was cancelled out by a strike from Jacksonville's Bochy Hoyos early in the second stanza. The match remained level until PC found the net with a left-footed strike from distance midway through the second half. The goal would stand as the winner, giving Strikers coach Marcelo Neveleff his first official win at the helm.

Indy Eleven 1, New York Cosmos 1

Playing in front of yet another sellout crowd, Indy got off to a dream start in their home opener against the Cosmos at Carroll Stadium. Jamaican international Brian Brown capitalized on a mistake from Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer to put the home side on top in the 12th minute. Juergen Sommer's side held that lead until early in the second half when Raúl headed home a Walter Restrepo cross from close range. The 1-1 final was the fourth straight draw between the Cosmos and Indy.

Tampa Bay Rowdies 0, Minnesota United FC 0

Entering Saturday night's affair in St. Petersburg, Fla., the eyes were on all of the marquee attacking players from both teams. Following the scoreless draw, perhaps the focus should have been on the back lines. Both sides saw chances go begging in both halves, although the Rowdies probably had the better looks at goal. Corey Hertzog came close to scoring a late winner, but his point-blank header ended up just a few inches on the wrong side of the near post. After a bye in Week 1, United is officially off and running in their quest to defend their Spring Season Championship from last year.

Atlanta Silverbacks 1, Ottawa Fury FC 1

After playing to a 1-1 draw at home against Indy last week, the Silverbacks were granted another opportunity to collect three points in front of their home fans on Saturday night. They were unable to do so, settling for a 1-1 draw against visiting Fury FC. Scottish midfielder Nicki Paterson opened the scoring in the first half, finding the net on a free kick. Fury FC's lead didn't last, though, as Canadian international Kyle Porter notched the equalizer midway through the second half to clinch a share of the spoils for the Silverbacks.

FC Edmonton vs. Carolina RailHawks - Sunday at 4 p.m. ET

Fresh off a 3-1 victory at home last weekend, the RailHawks head up to Edmonton - a place that has been a thorn in their side in recent seasons. Carolina hasn't picked up a victory in their last seven tries at Clarke Field, and the Eddies will hope that streak continues as they attempt to shake off their season-opening defeat at the hands of the Armada FC.



North American Soccer League Stories from April 11, 2015


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