
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (October 20, 2016) — Only two weekends remain in the North American Soccer League and the Rowdies risk elimination from postseason contention if they fail to beat the Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium.
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Ottawa Fury FC
Saturday, October 22, 7:30 p.m. ET – Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Local TV: Bright House Sports Network
National TV: beIN Sports en Español
Stream: beIN Sports Connect
Tampa Bay suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Indy Eleven on Wednesday night in a dramatic game. Tampa Bay trailed 2-0 at halftime, but Joe Cole led a heroic comeback to level the match at 2-2. The Rowdies looked likely to score a go-ahead goal for a long time, but were beaten by Nicki Paterson’s 85th minute dagger.
The Ottawa Fury has already been eliminated from postseason contention and is coming off a 3-1 loss in Oklahoma to Rayo OKC last weekend.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Rayo OKC
Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m. ET – Central Broward Park, Lauderhill, Fla.
Stream: ESPN3
Fort Lauderdale is desperate for a win to keep its postseason hopes alive. The Strikers are even on points with the Rowdies — three points behind Minnesota United FC and Rayo OKC. Fort Lauderdale beat Puerto Rico FC 2-0 last weekend.
Rayo OKC is in a strong position to reach the playoffs in its first season, tied on points with Minnesota United for fourth place in the NASL Combined Standings. OKC beat Ottawa 3-1 at home last weekend.
New York Cosmos vs. Miami FC
Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m. ET – James M. Shuart Stadium, Hempstead, N.Y.
Stream: ESPN3
The Cosmos have already won the NASL Fall Season and will hope to keep its positive run of form going into November and The Championship, the NASL’s four-team playoffs. New York beat Jacksonville 4-2 last weekend to clinch the Fall Season.
Miami FC will be on short rest and shorthanded heading into New York this weekend. Gabriel Farfan (yellow card accumulation) and Kwadwo Poku (red card) are both suspended from this match. Miami is four points out of the postseason picture and badly needs a win.
Carolina RailHawks vs. Minnesota United FC
Saturday, October 22, 7:30 p.m. ET – WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C.
Stream: ESPN3
Carolina is four points out of the postseason picture heading into this crucial showdown with the Loons. Rowdies fans will hope for a RailHawks win or a draw, allowing Tampa Bay to close the points gap with a win over Ottawa.
Minnesota United remains in a tight fight for the fourth and final postseason berth, but the Loons have the advantage of controlling the tiebreakers should multiple teams finish level on points. Minnesota United beat FC Edmonton 3-1 last weekend.
Indy Eleven vs. Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, October 22, 7:30 p.m. ET – Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Indianapolis
Stream: ESPN3
Indy will be on short rest following its 3-2 win over the Rowdies in St. Pete on Wednesday night. The Eleven has been unbeatable at home this season and would equal the NASL record with an 18-game home unbeaten streak with a draw or win.
Puerto Rico has grown into the Fall Season, but will not participate in The Championship. PRFC was beaten 2-0 in Fort Lauderdale last weekend.
FC Edmonton vs. Jacksonville Armada FC
Sunday, October 23, 4 p.m. ET – Clarke Field, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Stream: ESPN3
FC Edmonton’s postseason berth is already booked, with the Eddies traveling to Indy in the semifinals. Edmonton will just want to avoid injuries and head into the playoff with a bit of positive momentum.
Jacksonville beat Miami FC 3-2 on Wednesday night to provide a little boost ahead of the Armada’s trip north to Edmonton.