By RYAN TOLMICH

With 40 years of history between them, Saturday’s clash between the New York Cosmos and Tampa Bay Rowdies continues one of the oldest rivalries in American soccer history.

The two original NASL sides collide Saturday when the Cosmos make the trip down to Al Lang Stadium in search of their second straight victory. The Rowdies, on the other hand, will look to carry on the momentum of a 4-3 victory over the Carolina RailHawks last time out.

Other notable games include a clash between the league-leading San Antonio Scorpions and lowly Ottawa Fury FC, while second-place Minnesota United take on Indy Eleven.

Here is what’s on tap for the NASL this week:

CAROLINA RAILHAWKS vs. FC EDMONTON (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.)

With both sides residing near the bottom of the table, Saturday’s matchup between the Carolina RailHawks and FC Edmonton could be the first step towards either side climbing the table.

The RailHawks enter the weekend on the heels of a disappointing 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Meanwhile, FC Edmonton are fresh off a disappointing loss of their own having dropped a 3-2 contest to Minnesota United. Both sides boast potent scoring options that could make the difference, with FC Edmonton’s Daryl Fordyce and the Railhawks’ Zack Schilawski both sitting in the league’s top seven goalscorers.

FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS vs. ATLANTA SILVERBACKS (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.)

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Cosmos, Jaime Chavez and the Atlanta Silverbacks look to rebound Saturday when they head to Lockhart Stadium to take on the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Chavez, who has scored seven goals this season, leads a Silverbacks attack that has scored just one goal in the last three games. Meanwhile, the Strikers enter the weekend having scored just four goals in their opening six fall games.

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES vs. NEW YORK COSMOS (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.)

After spending years facing off in the original NASL, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Cosmos continue their renewed rivalry Saturday when the two meet at Al Lang Stadium.

The Rowdies and Cosmos enter the weekend third and fourth on the fall table, respectively, with the Rowdies sitting one point ahead of their weekend opposition despite having a game in hand. Saturday’s matchup between the two historic rivals could prove to be a true eliminator, with both sides needing points to make a push back towards the top of the table.

MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. INDY ELEVEN ( Saturday, 8 p.m.)

Minnesota United FC enter Saturday undefeated in the NASL Fall Season. However, a hot Indy Eleven side will be looking to pick up their third win in four tries.

Minnesota is coming off a dominant 3-0 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, in which league-leading scorer Christian Ramirez picked up his 10th goal of the NASL season. If Indy Eleven are to upset the league’s second place side, they will have to keep an eye on the always-creative Rodriguez for a full 90 minutes.

OTTAWA FURY vs. SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS (Sunday, 3 p.m.)

Last-place Ottawa Fury will have the chance to pull off the biggest upset of the season this weekend when the Canadian side plays host to the league-leading San Antonio Scorpions.

The Scorpions have outscored their opponents 14-2 in a fall campaign that has been dominant to say the least. Meanwhile, the Fury have picked up just one point through their first five games. The Fury have struggled mightily, but a win over the Scorpions would undoubtedly be one of the most memorable in the club’s young history.

———–

Looking forward to any matches in particular? Think the Fury can upset San Antonio?

Share your thoughts below.