San Juan, Puerto Rico FC Win Restrepo Award for Top NASL Away Day

Who's ready for a road trip to San Juan?!

By: Brandon Cockrum (@brew_wallace)

Congratulations to Puerto Rico FC and the city of San Juan for winning the first ever Top NASL Away Day! The island club is the first ever recipient of The Walter Restrepo Away Day Achievement Award.

While this is likely the only “hardware” that the expansion club will win in 2016, it’s nonetheless an accomplishment worthy of pride. In just over one month of play in the NASL, the football club, owned by pro-basketball player Carmelo Anthony, has already established itself as the most desirable city for NASL supporters to visit. The chance for soccer travelers to make a beach holiday out of the away match certainly helped San Juan's chance at winning, but the club’s supporters, stadium and match day experience were also significant features that appealed to voters.

Puerto Rico FC play their games at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, PR. The 22,000 seat, former-baseball stadium hosts nearly 5,000 supporters of PRFC for each home match.

"When you come to Puerto Rico you come to paradise! When you come to Juan Ramón Loubriel, you'll see some of the most passionate fans in the league. Electric atmosphere! Everybody is welcome to our Island!" - @BarraNaranjaPRFC (@BarraPrfc)

More than five hundred votes were cast in the competition pitting all twelve NASL cities in a bracket-style tournament to determine the NASL's most appealing city to visit. San Juan beat out Indianapolis in the competition’s final round, with 62% of voters preferring a trip to the island territory. In previous rounds, San Juan also edged out Tampa Bay, Edmonton, and Ottawa. Indianapolis advanced to the finals with wins over New York City, Minneapolis, and Oklahoma City.

The prestigious, international award is named after professional soccer player Walter Restrepo, currently on loan to the USL’s Bethlehem Steel from MLS’ Philadelphia Union. In 2014, Restrepo was traded from the NASL’s Ft. Lauderdale Strikers to the San Antonio Scorpions for the eye-catching price of “free lodging and transportation during Fort Lauderdale’s two road trips to San Antonio in 2014.” The creative deal has been recognized as one of the most unique trades in sports. On the field, Restrepo has twice been named to the NASL’s Best XI and twice lifted the NASL’s Soccer Bowl as league champion.

NASL 2016 Spring Championship Final Sprint! - Teams Close In On Playoff Spot!

Who will be next to stumble and drop out of the race?

By: James Cormack

For some teams only three games remain and for some four. We are nearing the eleventh hour (sorry had to go there) and each round between now and June 11/12 will likely see some teams slowly lose sight of the Spring title and others tighten their grip around it.

For one successful team winning the Spring Championship trophy means an automatic playoff spot and home field advantage, effectively allowing that team room to breath and work on their team without fear of non-qualification.

Outside of the speculative opinion below, it should be noted that every one of these teams will play a US Open Cup tie amongst their final games on June 1st. There may be injuries incurred, tired legs or even just squad rotation to rest players. Cup games can also bring extra time and penalties further increasing the physical pressure on squads. Some teams may rest players for the Open Cup, some may not.

The 2016 Spring Championship race is extremely close. There are only nine points between 1st and 10th place, it's about to get very intense, hearts will be broken every weekend for the next four weeks. Let's take a look at the teams from bottom to top.

Current NASL 2016 League Table

11. Miami F.C. - [eliminated] It's been a rough start for Alessandro Nesta and Miami, sparse crowds, very few points. They have shown a willingness to spend and bought Richie Ryan from Jacksonville for $750,000 last week, they may come good in the fall, but for now they are the first team mathematically eliminated from the Spring Championship. However, this does not mean they can't influence the ultimate outcome. Miami FC are the bye team this coming weekend.

MIA Remaining games - FC Edmonton (H) Indy Eleven (H) Minnesota Utd (A)

10. Jacksonville Armada - The new boys of 2015 not giving a good showing in their second season. Their only win this season has come against the hapless Miami FC. After gaining one other point against the Strikers they are now on three straight defeats. JAX still have four games remaining, but even if they win I don't think 16pts will be good enough to win spring, their current form definitely isn't!

JAX Remaining games - Ottawa Fury (A) Indy Eleven (H) Carolina (A) Tampa Bay (H)

9. Ottawa Fury - Ottawa could be a big spoiler in this race, but I doubt they have any chance to win Spring. Although they won't play any of the current top five teams they could put a dent in Tampa or Rayo OKC's chances of staying in the race for Spring. A draw in their next game against JAX could potentially kill both teams chances, a loss definitely will.

OTT Remaining Games - Jacksonville (H) Strikers (H) Tampa Bay (A) Rayo OKC (H)

8. Fort Lauderdale Strikers - For a while the Strikers looked to be making sure nobody else takes that bottom spot from them, a surprise win over Carolina Railhawks and a point at home against Indy Eleven has lifted them into 8th. Three of their final four games are away from home, their only remaining Florida fixture being against New York Cosmos. Safe to say they won't be in the reckoning, but they could cause problems at the top for New York and Edmonton.

FTL Remaining Games - Rayo OKC (A) Ottawa Fury (A) Cosmos (H) FC Edmonton (A)

7. Rayo OKC - Rayo have been the surprise package from the two new teams this year, two wins and two draws have them on 8 points after six games, with a game in hand over some teams they still have to be considered. A win over the Strikers next round would put them on 11, but they have a tough run in with the Cosmos and Minnesota in their final three. Still a dark horse, and definitely a team that could be a spoiler for NYC and MNU.

OKC Remaining Games - Strikers (H) Cosmos (A) Minnesota (H) Ottawa Fury (A)

6. Tampa Bay Rowdies - Tampa are at the top of an underperforming Florida pile. No team in the sunshine state appears to have got a handle on things yet. Despite a formidable roster and adding Joe Cole in a big news signing, Tampa continue to stutter after dropping two points at home to Rayo. Tampa though I think could be the the biggest upsetter in this race, they need better performances and they need points and their next two games are away to the Cosmos and Minnesota! With their final home games against Ottawa and JAX, their chances hinge on pegging back those above them, which of course could benefit themselves and others.

TBR Remaining Games - Cosmos (A) Minnesota (A) Ottawa (H) Jacksonville (A)

5. Indy Eleven - Still the only undefeated team in the NASL, but have dropped 8 pts in 4 of their 6 games, 4 of those points at home. Indy is still a work in progress but they have proven they can rise in the big games as they did by defeating New York Cosmos. Next game for Indy at home to Minnesota is pivotal for both teams. Indy really needs to win. If Minnesota wins you'd have to think that they go on and win overall if they reach 16 pts with a game in hand over others.

IND Remaining Games - Minnesota (H) Jacksonville (A) Miami FC (A) Carolina (H)

4. FC Edmonton - I am not sure why I am ever surprised by FC Edmonton, always tough and good for a positive run in at least one part of the season. A win over the Cosmos at the weekend has put them in amongst the front runners. They only have three games remaining, but they have the potential to win out on all three of them which would leave them on 20pts, which is the total New York won with in 2015.

FCE Remaining Games - Carolina Railhawks (H) Miami FC (A) Strikers (A)

3. New York Cosmos - Changed days from 2015 when the Cosmos went undefeated throughout Spring and won the first playoff spot. Three defeats now from Minnesota, Indy Eleven and Edmonton leave Cosmos on 12 pts, meaning of course they are the only team in the league to have not drawn any of their games. They have three games left, I wouldn't say they were easy, but two at home and finishing away at Ft Lauderdale, they also have the potential to win all three and finish on 21pts.

NYC Remaining Games - Tampa (H) Rayo OKC (H) Strikers (A)

2. Carolina Railhawks - After a storming start in the first round defeating Minnesota, the Railhawks won four straight games to sit atop the table. After a loss in New York they have not won since, losing at home to the Strikers and taking one point against Miami FC. The run in for them is tough, finishing up in Indianapolis, can't write them off but I wouldn't make them favorites either.

CAR Remaining Games - FC Edmonton (A) Jacksonville (H) Indy Eleven (A)

1. Minnesota United - Minnesota are definitely the in form team and probably now the favorites. After an opening game defeat they have won four and drawn one achieving top spot in the table after week seven. Their final four games are far from easy, but they should be able to get 6 to 9 points if their current run of form continues.

MNU Remaining Games - Indy Eleven (A) Tampa (H) Rayo OKC (A) Miami FC (H)

Week 8 Fixtures - May 21st to May22nd 2016 (EST)

• Indy Eleven v Minnesota United 5/21 7.30pm
• Rayo OKC v Ft Lauderdale Strikers 5/21 8.00pm
• Ottawa Fury v Jacksonville Armada 5/22 2.00pm
• FC Edmonton v Carolina Railhawks 5/22 4.00pm 
• NY Cosmos v Tampa Bay Rowdies 5/22 6.00pm

The most interesting scenario that could happen this weekend would be Indy Eleven to win, Rayo OKC to win, Edmonton and Carolina to draw and Tampa Bay to win (see table below). This would put Carolina back on top of the table but it would create a situation where there is only three points separating the top seven teams! I am not going to lie, I would actually like that, and definitely would not bet against it.

Just one possible outcome after this weeks matches - Holy Smokes!

It's all kicking off in Tampa Bay! Tampa Bay Rowdies V Indy Eleven Preview (04/02/2016)

Duke Lacroix: Most preseason minutes!

By: James Cormack

Preseason is all but over for NASL teams, it's time to put away the clipboards and dispense with the tinkering, the 2016 North American Soccer League season starts this weekend, it's cards on the table time!

These games count, we are playing for points, it's not practice, each game from now on in is about who wants it most and who can step up and take it!

In the previous two years Indy Eleven have marked the opening of their campaign with a draw, at home to Carolina Railhawks in 2014 and 1-1 away in Atlanta in 2015. For the second consecutive year Indy will begin their campaign away from home.

Arguably we have the strongest and most experienced roster we have seen to date. The question is, are they mentally and physically ready to challenge a Tampa team with big ambitions for the 2016 season.

We haven't signed a Raul or a Kléberson but we have spent wisely and added depth and experience. We also are not without our problems and look to have possibly now lost a few players during preseason. Preseason has not been outstanding in any way, but it is just that... the bit before the real season.

Tampa V Indy from beginning to end.

Saturday will mark the seventh meeting between these two teams and a third trip to Tampa for Indy Eleven. The honors are currently shared, both teams having defeated each other once, the other four matches have all been drawn.

Indy Eleven have not lost to Tampa since July 19th 2014. Tampa won that first meeting 2-1 in Indianapolis and since then have been unable to take more than a point from the boys in blue. Only once in meetings between these two teams has one side won by more than a goal deficit, that honor goes to Indy after a 2-0 win at home on August 19th 2015.

It's a very small stat to note, as we have only played twice in Tampa, but we have never lost there, definitely worth building on that one!

Indy Eleven have prepped for 2016 with nine games, it should be noted in the final game against University of Louisville we were a barely recognizable team with some trialists and several NPSL players getting a run. Indy have played one NASL team, five USL teams and three colleges and finished preseason with two wins, four draws and three defeats.

Unlike last year when Tampa had a storming start in spring season after having played thirteen preseason games, this year they have only played eight, but those games have been against some tough opponents.

Tampa began spring with matches against DC United, Philadelphia Union and Montreal Impact, two matches against University of Southern Florida and Univeristy of Tampa surrounded a tour of England where they played select sides from Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Stoke City. Tampa finished preseason with three wins, three draws and two defeats.

Tampa started training early, it helps when you are based in Florida, the weather is always nice. They have an edge on us in that respect, they are a step ahead possibly but Indy has had a little more competitive playing time. Tampa are many people's tip for success this year, but I think the gap between us an them is not as big one might think!

How will the teams line up.... ?

I think we have a reasonable grasp on how Indy Eleven will lineup and what formation will be played. I have asked Rowdies supporter Daniel Endonino of the Unused Substitutes podcast to give me his projected lineup (and his expectations for the game below) which I have matched against what coach Hankinson may go with in the following graphic.

Rowdies: Pickens, Portillos, Antonijevic, Mkandawire, King, Guerra, Nanchoff, Espinal, Hristov, Avila, Heinemann.
Indy Eleven: Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Vukovic, Franco, Paterson, Ring, Braun, Ubiparipović, Lacroix, Zayed.

As of today we know that Stephen Deroux, Dino Williams and Dragan Stojkov will not be in Tampa, all three have ben cut, Deroux and Williams both have unfortunate injuries, Stojkov has been 'sacrificed' for want of a better word, I am sure we will hear more about that later.

Indy Eleven have added Colombian forward Jair Reinoso to the roster prior to this game, he has been used at forward and attacking midfield in preseason. He may figure in to what is now the more questionable area of the field at right attacking midfield, with Stojkov being cut it is between Braun and Smart over there, I think Smart has looked more useful there so far in preseason.

Paterson and Ring is the more likely starting midfield duo, Larrea has not had game time in the last three preseason games.

The rest of the 18 man squad is most likely going to be Cardona, Miller, Janicki, Smart, Mares, Larrea and Wojcik. It is unknown if Jair Reinoso is moved and ready to be in the 18 man squad for the trip to Florida. We'll see, this is mostly guess work on my part! He has had 118 minutes of competitive play for Indy Eleven.

Up until the final preseason game Nemanja Vukovic had been leading the roster in minutes played, Duke Lacroix has now taken over after playing in Louisville. Behind them in order are Lovel Palmer, Marco Franco, Dylan Mares, Woj Wojcik, Éamon Zayed, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey, Brad Ring, Keith Cardona, Cory Miller, Jon Busch, Justin Braun, Don Smart, Ubiparipović, Nicki Paterson, Neil Shaffer, Gorka Larrea, Jair Reinoso and Daniel Keller.

Hot takes, thoughts and expectations for this game.....

Daniel Endonino (Tampa) - Expectations for the opener are pretty high. We have rebuilt the midfield and hopefully have found the goals we were lacking in Tommy Heinemann. Add the energy of a possible sellout, it should all come together for a good victory for the Rowdies. Confidence is pretty high from the locker room, I feel.

There is a difference between last year. In 2015 there was a lot of energy and hype which was very much Rongen and this year there is a quieter confidence coming from this team, which is very much emblematic of Stuart Campbell.

The man to watch? Nanchoff is coming off a huge preseason. He was the engine of this midfield when he was on the pitch. If he continues this form going into the season, I expect him to make the largest impact against Indy and beyond.

Caleb Ramp (Indy) - Indy will likely be forced to cede the bulk of possession in this match, Tampa has a very talented midfield. Expect a measured approach from Hankinson. There’s value in starting the season with a draw on the road against playoff-caliber competition, Indy’s objective will be to protect that from the start.

I anticipate Vukovic to start at left back over Franco, with Janicki and Falvey in center. This maximizes the back line size, useful against a target man the like Heinemann (or Danny Mwanga off the bench).

Aaron Gunyon (Indy) - This season has arrived too quickly for Indy.  Too many variables in play and too many injuries during preseason have stunted development.  There is plenty of good chemistry and this team will gel, but not before dropping the opener to Tampa on the road.

This will be their toughest test since they faced Ottawa in Arizona.  Fitness will be their undoing in the midfield as neither Paterson nor Ubiparipovic can go 90. One of my projected starters in Dragan Stojkov has mysteriously been absent from all team public appearances, and has now been cut.

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Check out the Unused Substitutes website and also follow them on twitter @UnusedSubsPod and keep up with Dan Endonino @Unsub_Dan

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