NASL: Week 1 Recap and Updated Standings

The 2017 North American Soccer League kicked off on Saturday with three matches, which included the San Francisco Deltas first match as a member of the league.

There were no winners in the first weekend of action in the NASL, with all three matches ending on level terms. Here’s a recap of the weekend one.

North Carolina FC vs. Miami FC

Formerly known as the Carolina RailHawks, the newly rebranded North Carolina FC hosted their first match under their new name. In the end, it finished all square as both sides exchanged goals in the opening 15 minutes of the match.

North Carolina struck first in the fourth minute, as Matthew Fondy dispatched a left-footed strike into the back of the net. Lance Lang recorded the assist.

Just 10 minutes later, former NYCFC man Kwadwo Poku leveled the match after he was initially stopped on a breakaway by Brian Sylvestre, however, he pounced on a rebound to score his first of the season.

Both sides had a few chances in the second half, but they failed to amount to anything as it finished 1-1.

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Puerto Rico FC vs. New York Cosmos

The Cosmos title defense began in Puerto Rico as the 2016 champions looked to start the season off on the right foot. It was the hosts that had the first real chance of the match as a free kick took a dangerous bounce in front, however, no one was there to put it home for Puerto Rico.

Nothing seemed to be hitting the target for either side, and it finished scoreless after 90 minutes, as both sides begin their 2017 season with a draw.

San Francisco Delta vs. Indy Eleven

For the first time in NASL history, a league match was broadcasted on Twitter, as the Deltas played their opening game as a league member. It was a thrilling match that came down to the wire.

The home side scored first in the 31st minute, Kyle Bekker slotted home a pass from Danny Cruz to record the first goal in club history.

In the 58th minute, the Eleven would equalise, Tanner Thompson got on the end of a Ben Speas cross to score his first professional goal.

A late save from Romuald Peiser allowed the Deltas to earn a point as he turned aside a dangerous low driven free kick that almost snuck through for a late winner. In the end, it finished 1-1.

All six clubs who saw action on opening weekend are tied at the top with one point. Meanwhile, Jackonsville and Edmonton are still yet to kickoff their seasons.