News

MIAMI, Fla. (February 11, 2013) - A classic rivalry and the return of the iconic New York Cosmos to the world soccer stage highlight the opening weekend of the North American Soccer League 2013 Fall Season on August 3.

All eyes in the soccer world will be on New York as the irrepressible Cosmos make their long-awaited homecoming at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium, the club’s home back when the original powerhouse of American soccer won its first NASL championship in 1972.

“August 3rd has been a long time coming for the entire Cosmos organization, the NASL and most importantly our fans,” Cosmos Chairman Seamus O’Brien said.  “It's hard to describe how excited our team is.  This is going to be a date that will be remembered for a very long time and we plan on making opening day a special one in New York.”

“We are extremely excited to announce the fall schedule under our new format and await the return of one the greatest soccer legacies ever,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson.

The 2013 NASL Fall Season will feature eight teams playing each other home and away for a total of 56 games and the team that tops the final standings will travel to face the Spring Season champions in the annual Soccer Bowl in November.  View the complete 2013 NASL Spring and Fall Schedules here.

“Our new format requires our teams to compete at the highest levels each week to secure victories,” added Commissioner Peterson. “There are no opportunities for teams to back into the Soccer Bowl.  The pressure will translate into exciting matches each week of the season for our growing fan base.  They’re going to love the competition between our teams.”

In addition to the Cosmos hosting the Strikers, the Carolina RailHawks, Minnesota Stars and San Antonio Scorpions will also kick off at home, with high expectations of attracting big crowds to welcome the second half of the 2013 campaign.

NASL Fall Schedule – Opening Week

Saturday Aug 3

Home Team                                       Visiting Team                    

Carolina RailHawks          vs.        FC Edmonton

Minnesota Stars               vs.          Atlanta Silverbacks

New York Cosmos           vs.          Fort Lauderdale Strikers

San Antonio Scorpions   vs.          Tampa Bay Rowdies

“Facing the 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay at Toyota Field is a demanding way to open the fall schedule,” said San Antonio Scorpions Head Coach Tim Hankinson. “Unlike last season’s 28-game marathon to the championship, the 2013 format makes the fall schedule a sprint to the cup, making every game critically important.”

The Puerto Rico Islanders will continue to restructure their operations and target a return to action in 2014 when the NASL will also welcome new franchises in Indianapolis, Ottawa and Virginia as part of a 12-team league.

“We are committed to growing the NASL brand steadily, so rather than rush the Islanders back into action before they are ready, we are giving them time to work through the ongoing process of stabilizing their franchise,” said Commissioner Peterson.