There is no rest for the weary and no one knows that better than the quarterfinalists in the
NASL playoffs.
Combine the physical toll of a long season with the pressure cooker of a win or go home match-up
and fans are in for something special come Saturday. Florida will be the host for both
quarterfinals as #6 Minnesota travels to #3 Tampa Bay and #4 Fort Lauderdale plays host to #5
Edmonton.
By JOHN BOSCHINI
After a grueling season spanning nearly six months and consisting of 27 games,
it all comes down to the final weekend in the inaugural season of the NASL.
The NSC Minnesota Stars and the Montreal Impact enter the weekend in a fight for the final
playoff spot, while FC Tampa Bay and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers jockey for third place.
By JOHN BOSCHINI
The penultimate weekend in the NASL offered little in the way of high-scoring contests but
instead set up a thrilling final weekend for the Montreal Impact and the NSC Minnesota Stars.
The NSC Minnesota Stars conceded a second-half goal to draw 1-1 with FC Tampa Bay but the vital
point keeps them narrowly ahead of the Montreal Impact for sixth place.
A great team win for Carolina.The Railhawks entered the match looking for their third straight
victory and a club record 17th victory. They achieved both. The win allowed the team to go nine
points ahead on the NASL table. With a win or a draw in the next game, they can clinch the
regular-season championship.
TAMPA, Fla. (September 2, 2011) FC Tampa Bay forward Mike Ambersley has been named the North
American Soccer League Player of the Month for August, the league announced on Friday. It marks the
second consecutive month that FC Tampa Bay has claimed the award after forward Aaron King received
the honor in July.
By JOHN BOSCHINI
For the first time in a very long time, the Montreal Impact are within striking distance.
The proverbial whipping boys throughout the spring are now within three points of sixth-place
Fort Lauderdale following a 2-0 win over the NSC Minnesota Stars.
Aaron King
Wednesday evening at Al Lang Stadium, FC Tampa Bay ended its season series with FC Edmonton,
topping the Canadian side 3-1. The win gave FC Tampa Bay the advantage in the 2011 season with
the expansion upstarts, with FC Tampa Bay winning twice, losing once and drawing once.
Aaron King
Wednesday evening at Al Lang Stadium, FC Tampa Bay ended its season series with FC Edmonton,
topping the Canadian side 3-1. The win gave FC Tampa Bay the advantage in the 2011 season with
the expansion upstarts, with FC Tampa Bay winning twice, losing once and drawing once.
CARY, N.C. – 7-5-11
Carolina RailHawks captain Brad Rusin has been named the NASL Defensive Player of the
Week for Week 13, the league announced on Tuesday.
RailHawks captain Brad Rusin
This is the third time this season Rusin has earned the award.
Mike Ambersley Offensive Player of the Week
FC Tampa Bay forward Mike Ambersley has been named the North American Soccer League Offensive
Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Ambersley scored a season-high two goals in FC Tampa Bay's 3-2 victory over Atlanta on Sunday
night at Al Lang Stadium.
By JOHN BOSCHINI
The Atlanta Silverbacks may have failed in their bid to win their second straight game but
there's no denial that fortunes are turning down South.
A late goal gave FC Tampa Bay a 3-2 victory over the Silverbacks. Atlanta came from behind twice
before Aaron King scored in the 86th minute.
