North American Soccer League fans can now mark their calendars for the entire 2013 season. Just over a month after releasing its spring season schedule, the NASL announced the fall season schedule as it prepares to begin its first year under the new split-season competition format.
The NASL Fall Season will be highlighted by the New York Cosmos’ return to the field. On August 3, the Cosmos will be officially reunited with the NASL when they play host to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, another team that competed in the original NASL back in the 1970s and 1980s.
“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.
For the Silverbacks, their first game against the Cosmos will come on the road when they visit New York City on September 7. Head Coach Brian Haynes’ side will host the Cosmos for the first time at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on November 2, the final game of the season.
The Silverbacks will begin fall season play on August 3 in Minnesota before returning home to host the Carolina RailHawks on August 10. For Silverbacks fans, the highlight of the fall season schedule will be between August 24 and September 28, when the club hosts four of their six games during that period.
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.
The Islanders have been a fixture in second-division soccer since 2004, winning the league title in 2010 and consistently qualifying for and competing in international club soccer tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions League and CFU Club Championship.
“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.
Below is the Silverbacks’ 2013 home schedule in its entirety:
SPRING HOME SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 13 vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Saturday, April 27 vs. Minnesota Stars FC
Saturday, May 18 vs. Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, May 25 vs. San Antonio Scorpions
Saturday, June 8 vs. FC Edmonton
Saturday, June 22 vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
FALL HOME SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 10 vs. Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, August 24 vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Saturday, August 31 vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Saturday, September 14 vs. San Antonio Scorpions
Saturday, September 28 vs. FC Edmonton
Saturday, October 12 vs. Minnesota Stars FC
Saturday, November 2 vs. New York Cosmos