Strikers and Minnesota Battle for Top Spot in NASL Standings

May 16, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK, NY (May 16, 2014) - One of the marquee match-ups in the North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season Week 6 is the #FightForFirst, a battle for sole possession of first-place when Minnesota United FC welcome Fort Lauderdale Strikers at NSC Stadium at 8 pm ET (7 pm CT) on Saturday, May 17.

On their heels are the New York Cosmos and San Antonio Scorpions just three points behind and the remaining six teams, all of whom are still in contention for the 2014 Spring Championship. Soccer fans can tune in to www.NASLlive.com to watch all five matches.

With four weeks remaining, the intense race for first-place currently has Fort Lauderdale and Minnesota level on points (12), however, the Strikers have the advantage in the 2014 Spring Season Standings on goal difference.

The Strikers are coming off a 4-0 victory over the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks last week, while United suffered its first loss of the season when it dropped a 1-0 decision to host New York Cosmos.

"There's still a lot of games to be played, but certainly it's an important match for us, coming off a loss, coming back home and going against the first place team," said United coach Manny Lagos. "I think there's been a lot of adversity already in this season and this is a big game for us against a team that's firing on all cylinders."

Strikers coach G-nter Kronsteiner shared his perspective on the battle for first-place in the NASL: "Minnesota is very organized and well coached; I'm very impressed with their team. It's going to be a tough match-up, especially playing in Minnesota. Our guys are playing with a lot of confidence right now. We just need to make sure we stay focused and continue to work well together, and try to come back with some points."

Another key NASL Week 6 encounter has Carolina RailHawks putting their 18-game unbeaten streak at WakeMed Soccer Park on the line when the Atlanta Silverbacks visit at 7:30 pm ET.

RailHawks, currently fifth in the standings and just a point ahead of Atlanta, have only lost once to the Silverbacks in 12 regular season encounters including an unbeaten record in the Triangle.

"This is a big rivalry game this weekend with Atlanta coming in," said RailHawks Colin Clarke. "We want to make sure we get the result at home in front of our fans. With only four weeks remaining, each match is going to be intense with every team fighting for the top spot at the end of the Spring Season."

The League's newest teams face-off in NASL play on Saturday when Ottawa Fury FC visits Indy Eleven at IUPUI's Michael A. Carroll Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 pm ET.

Indy Eleven, who's has three consecutive sold out home matches in 2014, is still searching for its inaugural NASL win, while Fury FC are aiming for their first road victory of the Spring Campaign.

"You need to be extremely focused when you play on the road," said Fury FC coach Marc Dos Santos. "We know Indy has been in every single game and this will be another battle. We have been working well this week and recovering a lot of players for Saturday. We are all looking forward for this game."

An old NASL rivalry continues into the NASL's modern era, when the defending champion New York Cosmos (third place) travel to take on Tampa Bay Rowdies (sixth place) in NASL 'Match of the Week' live on ESPN3 at 7:30 pm ET.

The clubs met twice in 2013, with the first encounter ending in a scoreless draw at Al Lang Stadium, however, the Cosmos won second match, 4-3, at Hofstra University's James M. Shuart Stadium last September. This is the first meeting between the two sides in 2014 and they are separated by just three points in the Spring Standings.

Rowdies coach Ricky Hill commented on the Cosmos' match-up: "They're the reigning champions. We've not amassed as many points as we would have liked to. We're also aware that at Al Lang, we've given our fans something to cheer about and they've been tremendous as always, but we haven't been able to go across the line and get all three points. This Saturday is an opportunity to play a side with more points than us at the moment. It should be fantastic."

Rounding out Week 6 encounters will be FC Edmonton visiting fourth place San Antonio Scorpions at Toyota Field at 8:30 pm ET (7:30 pm CT).

Following a heartbreaking midweek loss to Montreal Impact at the 2014 Amway Canadian Championship Semifinals, Edmonton will be playing its third game in eight days, while San Antonio has won three of its last four matches. Scorpions hold a perfect 4-0-0 record against the Eddies at Toyota Field.

"It will be a difficult game for us there in the heat and it will also be our eighth game in four weeks," said FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller. "San Antonio has had some good results, but we managed our first road result last weekend and hopefully we can carry that over. San Antonio have a great set up so hopefully we'll be able to play well."

Soccer fans around the world will also be able to 'Watch Every Match Live' - all 135 NASL matches -- throughout the 2014 North American Soccer League season, including these Week 6 matches in Carolina, Indy, Minnesota, San Antonio and Tampa Bay, at www.NASLLive.com. The NASL has extended the Free Trial of NASLLive.com to encompass the entire Spring Season.

NASL Week 6 Schedule - (All kickoff times US EST)

Saturday, May 17

Carolina RailHawks vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 7:30 pm

Indy Eleven vs. Ottawa Fury FC

IUPUI's Michael A. Carrol Stadium; Indianapolis, Ind. 7:30 pm

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. New York Cosmos

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

Minnesota United FC vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

NSC Stadium; Blaine, Minn. 8:00 pm

San Antonio Scorpions vs. FC Edmonton

Toyota Field; San Antonio, Tex. 8:30 pm



North American Soccer League Stories from May 16, 2014


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.


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