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NASL Week 5 Preview

By Daniel Garza

Jul 30, 2016; Hempstead, NY, USA; New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer (1) kicks the ball during the first half against the Puerto Rico FC at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Hempstead, NY, USA; New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer (1) kicks the ball during the first half against the Puerto Rico FC at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Week Five of the NASL features four matchups this weekend as the Jacksonville Armada look to remain atop the table while others look to catch up.

Indy Eleven vs. San Francisco Deltas

Neither side has yet to lose a match this season, which will make for an interesting matchup as the two clubs played to a draw on the first matchday. The Indy Eleven have drawn all three of their opening fixtures and sit two points behind the San Francisco Deltas.

The Deltas have been led by Tom Heniemann up top, the former Major League Soccer player has scored two goals in three appearances. Eamon Zayed scored his first goal of the season in the Eleven’s last match and will look to add to his total as he looks to led the club in scoring once again.

Defensively, the Deltas have looked strong, only allowing two goals thus far. This could be where they gain an advantage over the Eleven, who have conceded five goals and have looked vulnerable on the backline. If the away side can gain an advantage they are the more likely side to hold it. However, they were a bit lucky to come away with a point in the two club’s first meeting this season. This could very well be another draw on Saturday afternoon.

How to Watch: ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), MyINDY (Local – Indianapolis)

New York Cosmos vs. Jacksonville Armada

The league leaders, Jacksonville Armada, will travel to the Big Apple to face the New York Cosmos, who are coming off of their first victory of the season. It’s been a hot start to the 2017 season for the Armada, the club is unbeaten in their first three matches and they have yet to concede a goal.

This match will feature two of the best goalkeepers in the league as Jimmy Maurer of the Cosmos leads the NASL in saves and Caleb Patterson-Sewell has collected three consecutive clean sheets in net for the Armada.

Both clubs haven’t been very potent on offense, as they each have scored two goals in three matches. The inability to find goals will make this an interesting contest as one goal may be all that is needed to ensure victory.

Expect the Cosmos to be high on confidence after their opening win. This will be a big test for the Armada as they find themselves in an unexpected position to start the season.

How to Watch: beIN SPORTS USA (National – U.S., Canada), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (National – U.S., Canada), MSG Networks (Regional – NY/NJ/CT/PA), MSG GO (Regional – NY/NJ/CT/PA)

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Miami FC vs. North Carolina FC

A regional battle between these two sides promises to be exciting as they meet for the second time in 2017. In their first meeting, it ended all square after 90 minutes. Since then, both clubs have each won and lost a game.

North Carolina won big, 3-1, in last weekend’s slate of action. They had three different goal scorers and were lethal with their finishing. Miami suffered a disappointing loss to the Cosmos last time out.

It should be a good match as Miami look to do better at home after being shut out by the Cosmos. They have plenty of attacking options going forward and have the ability to put a couple past North Carolina. With that being said, one can’t count out North Carolina who should fight for a point on the road.

How to Watch: ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), CW South Florida (Local – Miami), Spectrum SportsChannel (Regional – North/South Carolina), WRAL2 (Local – Cary/Raleigh)

FC Edmonton vs. Puerto Rico FC

In the nightcap match, Edmonton host Puerto Rico in hopes of earning their first points of the season. It’s been a rough start for the Canadian club who have only scored one goal thus far. Puerto Rico are in a similar position in that they have yet to win a match, all three of their opening matches have ended on level terms.

Hector Ramos has looked like the most dangerous player for Puerto Rico, netting two goals and an assist in three appearances. Toni Ameobi has scored the lone goal of the season for Edmonton.

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Puerto Rico appears to be the better side on paper and should be the favorite to win on Saturday night, but Edmonton seems to be waiting for that match which kick-starts their season into full gear. This one could come down to the wire.

How to Watch: ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), Facebook Live (National – Canada), WAPA 2 (National – Puerto Rico)

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