Strikers/Cosmos Matchup Headlines Start of NASL Fall Championship

Talk about a rivalry renewed.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will open their NASL Fall Championship season versus a familiar foe, the New York Cosmos.

This will be the first matchup between the heated rivals in over three decades, and it comes nearly 13 months after the Cosmos announced they would play in the NASL once again.

The two teams last squared off in the 1983 NASL regular season.

“Starting the fall season off with the renewal of the original NASL rivalry between the Cosmos and Strikers shows our league is looking toward a bright future,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “The Strikers are excited to be the first opponent for the Cosmos and expect an electric atmosphere as they return to our league.”

All eyes in the soccer world will be on New York City as the Cosmos will make their long-awaited homecoming at Hofstra Stadium, the club’s home 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’re 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 with the team topping the final standings traveling to face the Spring Season champions in the annual Soccer Bowl on the weekend of November 16/17.

“The addition of the Cosmos means our league is going to be even tougher and it is very important to get off to a good start, not only in the spring season but the fall season as well,” said Shore. “This year’s format creates tough challenges for all of our teams, and everyone within the Strikers organization is excited and looking forward to a fun and exciting 2013 season.”

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.

Check back with 90 Minutes Strong Later today for more information on the 2013 Fall Championship Season Schedule.

&copy Copyright 2013Pedro Heizer, All rights Reserved. Written For: 90 Minutes Strong