Week 2 in the NASL delivered 10 goals in three matches, with one contest in particular establishing itself as a contender for game of the season.
A salivating clash between Miami FC and the New York Cosmos highlighted the weekend’s action on paper. In the end, it wasn’t even close as Miami brushed aside the Cosmos with a 3-0 victory. The victory moves the Floridian club to the top of the Spring Season standings over Jacksonville Armada, who shut out FC Edmonton 1-0.
Meanwhile, Indy Eleven and Puerto Rico FC battled to a 3-3 draw at Carroll Stadium on Saturday in what was a wild game.
Here is a closer look at this weekend’s NASL matches:
Miami cruises past winless Cosmos
The New York Cosmos opened their home schedule at MCU Park against Miami FC in what was supposed to be the marquee game of the weekend. Miami had other ideas as it coasted past the Cosmos to win 3-0 on Saturday evening.
The match was scoreless at halftime, but Miami took over early in the second half as Dylan Mares, Stefano Pinho and an own goal by Ryan Richter wrapped up the victory. All three strikes were scored in a 20-minute span, beginning with Mares’ tally in the 51st minute.
The victory was even more significant for Miami as it snapped the Cosmos’ 19-game home unbeaten streak.
Indy Eleven fights back late to salvage draw with Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico FC was resilient on Saturday, but so were Justin Braun and Indy Eleven as they salvaged a 3-3 draw in a scintillating affair at Carroll Stadium.
Indy enjoyed a dream first half as Braun opened the scoring after just five minutes. Ben Speas doubled the advantage for the hosts, who were rolling in the early stages of the match, shortly thereafter. However, Puerto Rico did not back down and moved level by halftime thanks to Conor Doyle and Hector Ramos.
The visitors scored a third unanswered goal in the 56th minute after earning their second penalty of the game. Walter Ramirez converted from the spot, but Braun came to the rescue with a well-struck volley to recover a point for Indy.
Armada earns first win of the season over FC Edmonton
Jacksonville Armada played its first game at Hodges Stadium and got off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over FC Edmonton on Sunday.
Jacksonville controlled the game, but were left frustrated by Edmonton in the first half. Eventually, J.C. Banks struck with a lovely solo goal to wrap up all three points for Armada.