NASL Week 2 Review and Updated Standings

After a winless opening weekend, two clubs came away victorious in week two, as Miami FC sit atop the table.

It was a goal-filled weekend in the NASL’s second week of action. Across the three matches there was a total of 10 goals scored, with both the Jacksonville Armada and Edmonton FC kicking off their seasons. Here’s a brief recap of the weekend that was.

Indy Eleven vs. Puerto Rico FC

An afternoon of goals saw the Eleven comeback to earn a point after Puerto Rico had come from two down to take the lead.

The Eleven would come out on fire as they scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Justin Braun directed a Nemanja Vukovic free kick into the net and Ben Speas recorded his first goal for the club a few minutes later.

Puerto Rico would answer in the 24th minute when Conor Doyle scored his first goal for the club, Hector Ramos provided the assist.

Ramos would turn from provider to goalscorer right before halftime. The Puerto Rican striker saw his initial spot kick attempt saved, but buried the rebound to open his 2017 goal account.

The away side would go ahead in the 56th minute as another penalty kick was awarded to Puerto Rico. This time, Walter Ramirez took the spot kick and put it past Jon Busch, who had conceded the penalty.

It wasn’t over for the Eleven, the home side would equalize in the 75th minute, as Braun scored his second goal of the match with a fantastic strike. It would finish 3-3, as the most entertaining match of the weekend came to a close.

New York Cosmos vs. Miami FC

Three second half goals from Miami ruined the Cosmos opening home match of 2017. The Florida club moved atop of the standings after Saturday’s night result.

The visitors were unlucky not to go ahead in the first half when they were awarded a penalty kick just past the half-hour mark. However, Richie Ryan skied the spot kick into the stands.

Dylan Mares started the onslaught of goals in the second half with a finish come close range. Michael Lahoud was credited with the assist as he provided a beautiful cross that allowed Mares to score.

Two more goals would come in the span of less than five minutes. An unfortunate redirection from Ryan Richter would see the right-back pick up an own goal and give Miami a 2-0 lead. A few minutes later, Cosmos defender David Ochieng would fall down and allow Stefano Pinho to go in alone and score, as it finished 3-0.

Jacksonville Armada vs. FC Edmonton

The Armada sent the home supporters home happy as they recorded their first win of 2017 on Sunday. J.C. Banks fantastic individual effort in the 77th minute saw him score and give his club all three points.

Next: UMSNT: Big jump for the US in lastest FIFA Rankings

Updated Standings

1. Miami FC (4 Pts)
2. Jacksonville Armada (3 Pts)
3. Indy Eleven (2 Pts)
4. Puerto Rico FC (2 Pts)
5. North Carolina FC (1 Pt)
6. San Francisco Deltas (1 Pt)
7. New York Cosmos (1 Pt)
8. FC Edmonton (0 Pts)