Scorpions Can Claim Regular Season Championship with Win

Published on September 14, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 14, 2012) - The first-place San Antonio Scorpions (13W-7T-5L) have a chance to clinch the NASL regular season championship when they take on the Carolina RailHawks (9W-8T-8L) on Sunday, Sept. 16. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:00 p.m. CT at Heroes Stadium.

The Scorpions, with 46 points, have a six-point edge over the Tampa Bay Rowdies with just three regular season matches remaining. A Scorpions win paired with a Rowdies loss or draw would secure the regular season championship for San Antonio.

Sunday's match will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between the two teams this season. The Scorpions defeated the RailHawks in all three meetings this season, all shutouts. San Antonio has outscored Carolina 10-0 in the season series so far.

SCOUTING CAROLINA

After a slow start to the season, the Carolina RailHawks have rebounded with a solid run down the stretch of the season to claim a playoff spot. With three games remaining, the RailHawks are looking to claim home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

On the road this season, the RailHawks have not had nearly as much success on the road as they have had at home. Carolina has a 3W-3T-6L record away from Cary, NC, including an 8-0 loss to San Antonio on July 28.

Carolina's offense has come alive down the stretch as they make a push for home-field advantage heading into the playoffs. With 41 goals scored this season, only the Scorpions have scored more in 2012. Nick Zimmerman leads the RailHawks with 15 goals, only trailing Scorpions forward Pablo Campos for the league lead.

On defense, however, Carolina has struggled to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard. The RailHawks have allowed a league-high 44 goals this season.

Ray Burse has been the main goalkeeper for the RailHawks this season, allowing 40 goals to go with his 1.82 goals against average.

LAST TIME OUT

The Scorpions ended the longest road trip of the season on a high note, defeating the Carolina RailHawks 1-0 thanks to a late goal by forward Jeff Cunningham on Saturday night.

The Scorpions broke through in the 84th minute, when forward Jeff Cunningham put a shot past Ray Burse into the back of the net to give the Scorpions a 1-0 lead late in the match. It was the first goal for Cunningham, Major League Soccer's all-time leading goal scorer, as a member of the Scorpions.

Walter Ramirez picked up an assist on the goal, giving him a team-high six assists on the season.

HUNT FOR THE GOLDEN GLOVE

Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler picked up his league-best 13th shutout in the win over Carolina and still leads the league with a 0.62 goals against average and is close to winning the NASL Golden Glove, which is awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest GAA in the regular season.

In 21 starts this season, Sattler has only given up 13 goals.

COMING HOME

The Scorpions have been one of the most difficult teams to defeat at home this season, picking up points in 10 of 12 home matches so far this season. San Antonio is tied with Fort Lauderdale for the most wins at home this season with eight.

San Antonio has shut out visiting opponents nine times in 12 home matches this season, allowing just eight total goals at Heroes Stadium this year in NASL competition.

OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER

On the offensive side of the ball, the Scorpions lead the league in goals scored with 43.

Scorpions forward Pablo Campos, a former RailHawk, leads the league with a league-high 18 goals and is the front-runner to win the NASL Golden Boot, which is awarded to the league's leading goal scorer at the end of the regular season.

The Brazilian striker needs two goals to match former Carolina Railhawks teammate Etienne Barbara's total from last year. Barbara won the NASL Golden Boot in 2011 with 20 goals.

COMING UP

The Scorpions will travel to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks in a midweek match on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

San Antonio will then end its regular season with a match against the Minnesota Stars at home on Sunday, Sept. 23. Kickoff for the finale at Heroes Stadium is slated for 6 p.m.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 14, 2012


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