For the six months, the NASL marveled at FC Edmonton's discipline, maturity and ability to grind out results.
Well so much for that.
The expansion side showed their youth and inexperience in a 5-0 loss to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers during the quarterfinals of the NASL playoffs. Brian Shriver scored a double and Abe Thompson registered a hat-trick in the rout.
Fort Lauderdale's opener came just before halftime when Shriver collected a deflected pass and slotted it past the near post. Thompson doubled the lead seconds after the second half started with a headed goal from Lance Laing.
From then on Fort Lauderdale was scoring at will. Shriver collected a long pass and finshed easily in the 54th minute and Thompson put an exclation point on the victory with goals in the 62nd and 77th minute.
Edmonton's frustration showed in the 83rd minute minute when Paul Hamilton was sent off.
Here is a look back at Minnesota vs. FC Tampa Bay and ahead to next week's semifinal schedule.
The NSC Minnesota Stars made the most of their scramble into the playoffs with a 1-0 victory over FC Tampa Bay.
The home side was made to pay for a lack of offensive initiative, registering only three shots in the opening 45 minutes. The normally inept Minnesota offense managed to snatch a goal midway through the first half when Luke Mulholland’s free kick deflected past Jeff Attinella.
FC Tampa Bay came with a great deal more offense in the second half but was unable to convert any of their six shots on goal. Minnesota has opened up a four-game unbeaten streak after earning their place in the playoffs on the final day.
Next Saturday Minnesota welcomes the top-seeded Carolina Railhawks while Fort Lauderdale heads south to take on the Puerto Rico Islanders. The teams then switch the following weekend with the winner on aggregate advancing to the two-legged final.
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What did you think of the weekend’s results? Surprised with Minnesota’s victory? Think Fort Lauderdale has a shot against Puerto Rico. Can Carolina turn its form around against Minnesota?
Share your thoughts below.
