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NASL Week 9: A Look Ahead

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Minnesota United will look to recover from last weekend’s breakdown as they face a Tampa Bay Rowdies team that has yet to really impress.

The MLS-elect team lost it late to Indy Eleven last time out, and now needs a win at home over the Rowdies to stay in the conversation for first place.

Elsewhere, Miami FC will hope their two new midfielders can help pick up the level of play as they face a stern test against FC Edmonton. While Miami has been spiraling downwards, the Eddies have slowly crept up the league table.

Here’s a closer look at the action in NASL this weekend:

OTTAWA FURY VS. FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS (FRIDAY, 7 P.M., ESPN3)

After long-lasting poor runs from the Ottawa Fury and Fort Lauderdale Strikers to start the season, both won their last matchup by narrow margins. Now, each side will be desperate to win a second consecutive match and shoot up the table.

The Fury must get consistent form out of their strikers, something that has troubled them since Tom Heinemann left for Tampa in the off-season. Meanwhile, it seems that scoring form has finally come for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, led by veteran Maicon Santos and a series of youngsters.

JACKSONVILLE ARMADA VS. INDY ELEVEN (SATURDAY, 7 P.M., ESPN3)

Indy Eleven has absolutely proven by now that their early season form is no fluke. The reformation of the side has led to some incredible team performances against the league’s top sides, and they show no signs of slowing down.

The team play and experience is key in the Eleven’s success, and several players have shared the scoring load as a result. It looks as if Jacksonville have already cut their losses for the spring season, and will look to re-evaluate the squad heading into the fall. It will be a tough task for Tony Meola’s side to take points off the Eleven, but the talent from the Armada strikers could always shine through.

NEW YORK COSMOS VS. RAYO OKC (FRIDAY, 7 P.M., ONE World Sports)

After initially impressing as an expansion team, Rayo OKC has fallen back in line closer to pre-season expectations. The New York Cosmos, on the other side, have rounded into form this month.

Michel has been a revelation for Rayo, playing in the midfield alongside World Cup veteran Derek Boateng and Sebastian Velasquez. But with the club releasing Ryan Johnson, Georgios Samaras will now have to quickly find scoring form if they are to have a chance against the Cosmos.

Gio Savarese’s team has now found even more ways to score goals, with Yasmani Duk hitting form in recent weeks. However, with Duk set to join Bolivia for the Copa America, the Cosmos will look to several other options to step up. The team has attracted aging international stars with their brand, and those stars have paid it back with their performances.

MIAMI FC VS. FC EDMONTON (SATURDAY, 8 P.M., beIN Sports)

Miami FC has now added two midfielders to their roster in hopes of climbing out of the depths of the table, as Michael Lahoud joined this week.

A result will be a tall task indeed for Miami against FC Edmonton, though, who have quietly climbed up the standings with sneaky narrow victories as of late. The team has let in just one goal in the last three games, which doesn’t bode well for Miami. If Richie Ryan can help bring up the quality of play in his new midfield, perhaps the south Florida team can earn a point this weekend.

MINNESOTA UNITED VS. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (SATURDAY, 8 P.M., ESPN3)

Minnesota United will be devastated with the way they closed out their match last time out, and will find this home game against a  Tampa Bay Rowdies side struggling to meet expectations as a chance to regroup.

Christian Ramirez, Ben Speas and Stefano Pinho have all been contributing to a fluid attack for United, but could struggle against afew imposing Rowdies center backs. This match, though, is likely to be won or lost in the midfield between Joe Cole and Juan Guerra or Jeb Brovsky and Juliano.

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