Scorpions, Rowdies Battle for Position in Playoff

Published on August 17, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 17, 2012) - The first-place San Antonio Scorpions (11W-6T-4L) could clinch a spot in the NASL playoffs this weekend as the team hosts the second-place Tampa Bay Rowdies (10W-5T-6L) on Sunday, Aug. 19. Kickoff for Sunday's match, which is also "Back To School Night" presented by WOAI, is set for 7:30 p.m. at Heroes Stadium.

With 39 points, the Scorpions currently have a four-point edge over the second-place Rowdies with seven games remaining. A win on Sunday, paired with an FC Edmonton tie or loss against Carolina on Aug. 18, would make the Scorpions the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season.

Sunday's match will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between the two teams. The Scorpions won the first two meetings in a home-and-home set, defeating the Rowdies 2-0 on May 5 in San Antonio and again on May 12 in Tampa with a 2-1 win on the road. In their last meeting, the Rowdies defeated the Scorpions 3-2 on June 23 in Tampa Bay.

As a part of "Back To School Night", the team is offering student tickets for $6 and teachers and administrators can "Buy 1, Get 1 Free."

Tickets for Sunday's match can be purchased online at https://www.sanantonioscorpionstickets.com/backtoschool&Tickets, at the STAR Soccer Complex box office, or by calling 210-637-3411.

SCOUTING TAMPA BAY

The Rowdies enter Sunday's match as one of the hottest teams in the NASL, earning at least a point in their last five matches and have lost just once since June 9.

But while the Rowdies have played well at home this season, five of Tampa Bay's six losses this season have come on the road. Still, the Rowdies have managed three wins away from home this season, and are tied with the Puerto Rico Islanders for the second-highest number of points earned on the road in 2012 with 11.

Tampa Bay goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has been a big part of the Rowdies' success this season with a 1.14 goals against average and a league-high 88 saves, helping the Rowdies be one of the three teams in the NASL with a positive goal differential (+5).

Despite losing leading scorer Tsuyoshi Yoshitake, who was transferred to Yokohoma FC Hong Kong on Aug. 4, the Rowdies still have a number of offensive options to turn to, including Daniel Antoniuk, who has scored six goals this season.

Along with Mike Ambersley, who has five goals and a league-high eight assists, and Luke Mulholland, the Rowdies have been able to score 29 goals as a team this season.

LAST TIME OUT

The Scorpions strengthened their hold on the NASL's top spot with a 1-0 road victory over the Minnesota Stars FC on Aug. 11.

The Scorpions lone goal came on second half, when Pablo Campos was taken down inside the box to set up a penalty kick for Hans Denissen, who buried the shot for his third goal of the season.

Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler made six saves to earn his 11th shutout of the season.

FAMILIAR FOE

Sattler, who leads the league with a 0.59 goals against average, will face off against his former team again this weekend.

The Scorpions keeper played with the Rowdies for two seasons before joining San Antonio this season.

In 17 starts this season, Sattler has only given up 10 goals while facing 56 shots

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

San Antonio has been a difficult place for opponents to play this season, with the Scorpions earning a point in nine of 11 home matches so far this season.

The Scorpions' seven home victories are tied for a league-best and the team has allowed just eight goals at home all season. The Scorpions also had a stretch of eight straight home matches without giving up a goal at Heroes Stadium between Apr. 21 and Aug. 5.

OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER

On the offensive side of the ball, the Scorpions lead the league in goals scored with 36.

Campos accounts for 16 of those goals, a league-best, leading the race for the NASL Golden Boot, awarded to the league's leading goal scorer at the end of the regular season.

The Brazilian striker needs four goals to match former Carolina Railhawks teammate Etienne Barbara, who won the NASL Golden Boot in 2011 with 20 goals.

COMING UP

The Scorpions will begin a three-game road trip, their longest of the season, on Saturday, Aug. 25 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from August 17, 2012


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.

OurSports Central