Miami FC is set to play its third match against a Florida side when it visits Jacksonville Armada FC on Friday night, searching for the first win in club history. The Carolina RailHawks (vs. Ottawa Fury FC) and the New York Cosmos (at Indy Eleven) hope to remain hot after picking up wins in each of their first two contests.
Here is a preview of all five matches in Week 3 of the Spring Season:
Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Miami FC
7 p.m. ET | Friday, April 15
Community First Park | Jacksonville, Fla.
Watch | beIN SPORTS (National - U.S., Canada), NASL.com (National - Canada), CW17 (Local - Jacksonville), International outlets*
Jacksonville (0W-0D-1L, 0 points) gets ready for its home opener after a 2-0 loss on the road to the New York Cosmos. Despite the loss, there were promising signs for the club's new coach, Tony Meola, in his first game in charge. In particular, the Armada FC opened the game brightly and will want to do the same against visiting Miami FC in an all-Florida affair.
Miami (0-2-0, 2) has also gotten off to quick starts in games, but coach Alessandro Nesta's side hasn't been able to hold onto leads - conceding a late penalty in back-to-back matches. Dario Cvitanich, a veteran Argentine striker, has netted twice in as many games and should once again be the main attacking force for the expansion side.
Carolina RailHawks vs. Ottawa Fury FC
7:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, April 16
WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary, N.C.
Watch | ESPN3 (National - U.S.), TWC SportsChannel (Regional - North/South Carolina), WRAL2 (Local - Raleigh/Cary), Rogers TV (Local - Ottawa)
Midfielder Austin da Luz is off to the fastest start in the NASL this year. He has scored two game-winning headers for Carolina (2-0-0, 6) and has three goals overall. The RailHawks have come from behind twice so far, showing resilience and a much different energy than in past seasons.
Ottawa (0-1-1, 1) nearly came away with three points on the road in Indianapolis last Saturday, but a late goal left them with just a point. For Fury FC, though, it was a performance to build on as the club prepares for its trip to Cary, N.C. Idan Vered scored his first NASL goal in his first start, while Julian de Guzman, Ottawa and Canada's captain, is coming off a strong effort in central midfield.
Indy Eleven vs. New York Cosmos
7:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, April 16
Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis, Ind.
Watch | ONE World Sports (National - U.S.), ONEWorldSports.com (National - U.S., Canada), WISH-TV (Local - Indianapolis)
When Indy and New York have met in the past, it has always been the same result: a draw. Both sides will look to change the equation Saturday night. Indy (0-2-0, 2) is coming off back-to-back draws, but should have momentum after Nemanja Vukovic's 89th-minute equalizer rescued a point in the club's home opener. Indy's veteran lineup under new coach Tim Hankinson hopes to thwart the red-hot defending champion Cosmos.
New York (2-0-0, 6) has scored five goals to open the season. Jairo Arrieta (one goal, one assist) and Juan Arango (two goals, one assist) have formed a strong partnership in the attacking third, while the Croatian international Niko Kranjcar added an assist in his first start with the team. More importantly, the Cosmos have yet to concede a goal as the back line, plus goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, has looked impenetrable.
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. FC Edmonton
7:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, April 16
Al Lang Stadium | St. Petersburg, Fla.
Watch | ESPN3 (National - U.S.), NASL.com (National - Canada), BHSN 1147 (Local - St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay)
Tampa Bay (0-2-0, 2) was able to earn a point on the road when Georgi Hristov converted late from the penalty spot in Miami. The Rowdies peppered Miami FC's goal in the draw, but were thwarted by strong goalkeeping from Mario Daniel Vega. Coach Stuart Campbell's men will want to carry that effort into the match against visiting FC Edmonton.
The Eddies (0-1-1, 1) were unable to pick up points in their home opener, falling, 2-0, to visiting Minnesota. Edmonton, though, will receive a boost on the back line with its captain, Albert Watson, returning from his one-game red card suspension. The Eddies will also look to get their attack going after being shut out in the first two matches of the year.
Minnesota United vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
8 p.m. ET | Saturday, April 16
NSC Stadium | Blaine, Minn.
Watch | ESPN3 (National - U.S.), NASL.com (National - Canada), MY29 (Local - Twin Cities), SFL-TV (Local - Fort Lauderdale)
Minnesota (1-0-1, 3) picked up its first win of the season on the strength of Ben Speas' delightful double. The Loons' attack was threatening throughout their 2-0 win over the Eddies and the club's back line was much more assured than in its opening-weekend performance. United will be at home this weekend for the first time in the Spring Season and coach Carl Craig's side will aim to give its home supporters plenty to cheer about.
The Strikers (0-1-0, 1) were idle this past weekend, but now head north to take on the Loons. Fort Lauderdale was able to earn a draw against Miami in its first match of the season, thanks to a late penalty converted by Maicon Santos. Jose Angulo could be one player to watch for the Strikers, as he has had a knack for scoring against Minnesota recently, notching three goals against the Loons last season. Fort Lauderdale will also get its first chance to face off against Stefano Pinho, who claimed the Golden Boot and Golden Ball during his time with the Strikers last year.