By MIKE GRAMAJO
The Carolina RailHawks look to continue their fine form this season when they host the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Both clubs ended their matches in draws the previous week, which saw the RailHawks take a 2-2 draw against Minnesota United. Real Salt Lake loanee Enzo Martinez tied the game for the Rail Hawks late in the game, which salvaged Carolina a point on the road.
The Scorpions, who have yet to register a victory this season, are coming back from thrilling draw against the Silverbacks which saw them take the lead, only to lose it moments later.
“Every result is vital. It was vital last year at this time and its the same this year,” Scorpions head coach Tim Hankinson told NASL.com. “The team has shown improvement, so I’m excited to see them play. Last year our first win was at Carolina and we are hoping for the same on Saturday.”
Here is a look at the weekend’s other match-ups:
STRIKERS LOOK FOR FIRST WIN AGAINST UNITED
The Ft. Lauderdale Strikers are another team in search for their first three points in the spring campaign. The Strikers welcome NASL-leading Minnesota United on Saturday.
Minnesota’s Etienne Barbara picked-up NASL Player of the Week honors for week five, after notching a brace for United last week during a 2-2 home draw against the RailHawks. United, who are currently unbeaten in the NASL, look to maintain their first place spot by clinching a victory at Lockhart Stadium.
The Strikers recently acquired goalkeeper Jeff Attinella on loan from Real Salt Lake, a key move for a Strikers side that has conceded eight goals this season.
Despite having a bye week last week, the Strikers lost, 2-1, in the Florida Derby against the Rowdies during week four action. With a win, the Strikers would leapfrog San Antonio
EDDIES HOST SILVERBACKS
FC Edmonton look to carry on with their momentum when they host the Atlanta Silverbacks on Sunday at Clarke Stadium.
The Eddies, who have yet to see a bye week in the NASL, drew 1-1 against the Rowdies when Shaun Saiko leveled the match for Edmonton in the first half. By securing a victory this weekend, Edmonton, who currently have five points in the table, can jump ahead Atlanta, who are sit fourth in the standings.
In this league, you can never switch off at any time,” Edmonton head coach Collin Miller told NASL.com. “Brian (Haynes) has done a hell of a job with his team. They have an exciting team and, like us, a very young team.”
Meanwhile, Atlanta look to get back in their winning ways. The Silverbacks are currently in a two-game winless streak, with their last victory occurring in April against the Rowdies.
Despite sitting fourth in the table, their two game winless run has hindered their chances by staying in the middle of the table, especially against an Edmonton side who have dominated Atlanta historically.
Out of eight matches played, the Eddies have six wins and two losses against the Silverbacks despite the Atlanta side winning 2-0 in their last meeting back in 2012.
What do you think of the Week Six match-ups? Who do you see winning this weekend?
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