Well we have a champion folks! Atlanta has claimed the Spring Championship and the right to host Soccer Bowl 2013 after their victory and Carolina’s defeat. As we look back on the first half of the year with this new format, we can agree it was very successful and competitive in this first run. Even those who had a rough start now have a clean slate, and some time to prepare for the next challenge in the fall. We can only hope for the same excitement in August, but for now lets see what the numbers have to say one last time this spring.
This is not an opinion poll. An algorithm is used to determine where each team is ranked. Certain factors are used to scale the points earned for wins and draws. Results on the road are weighed more heavily than those at home. Strength of schedule is taken into consideration, and there is a lot of emphasis placed on the most recent results.
Included with the power ranking is each team’s actual league position, last week’s power position, and their average strength of schedule.
1. Atlanta Silverbacks (37.56)
Last Week’s Rank: 1st | NASL Rank: 1st | SoS Avg: 1.435
The Silverbacks will be bringing silverware back to Atlanta. After a decisive and physical win against Minnesota, the players waited in the locker room for the result of the Carolina San Antonio game, and then the party started. Atlanta now have a huge target on their back and cannot afford to let their game slip going into the fall. They will need to finish strong to make sure they have the momentum to carry into the final at Silverbacks park.
2. Tampa Bay Rowdies (34.57)
Last Week’s Rank: 3rd | NASL Rank: 4th | SoS Avg: 1.449
The fans at Al Lang Stadium finally had something to cheer about after this last game. This was the Rowdies’ first home victory in the NASL since last year’s Soccer Bowl Final. If Tampa Bay could’ve had the ability to win at home earlier this year, there is no doubt they would’ve been going to the final again. Consistency will be the main focus for the club in the fall, and Head Coach Ricky Hill will be rallying his team around defending their title.
3. San Antonio Scorpions (32.58)
Last Week’s Rank: 4th | NASL Rank: 3rd | SoS Avg: 1.440
Well the clock struck midnight on this Cinderella story. Even if Atlanta would have lost, San Antonio was still behind on away goals because they needed at least a 3-0 victory over Carolina to claim on goal differential. Hans Denissen continued his scoring streak with two goals last night, which is impressive because of his sore shoulders from carrying this team. San Antonio also needs to keep rolling along and continue their dominance at home.
4. Carolina Railhawks (31.00)
Last Week’s Rank: 2nd | NASL Rank: 2nd | SoS Avg: 1.440
Well three weeks ago, the Railhawks were practically given the title already, but poor performances in the past few weeks cost them the points they so desperately needed to win. Maybe it was the quick turnaround between games? We don’t know but what we do know is that Carolina will be the favorite to win in the fall if they can find their earlier form.
5. Minnesota United FC (24.82)
Last Week’s Rank: 5th | NASL Rank 6th | SoS Avg: 1.468
Well these past few weeks may have crushed the spirit of this supposed powerhouse. The Carolina loss seemed to take the wind out of the sails of Minnesota, and the combination of Etienne Barbara and Pablo Campos still hasn’t connected yet to create the scoring machine they were looking for. And with defender Kyle Altman retiring after this last game, there is a huge role to be filled in central defense as well as the captaincy.
6. FC Edmonton (23.10)
Last Week’s Rank: 6th | NASL Rank: 5th | SoS Avg: 1.468
Edmonton’s season finished a week before their American counterparts so they have been set in their rank. They did go out in style, a style they will be looking to replicate in the coming season. Defensively they have been a great team, but they will need to find a scoring combination to get this team going in the future and really make them competitive in this highly offensive league.
7. Fort Lauderdale Strikers (13.36)
Last Week’s Rank: 7th | NASL Rank: 7th | SoS Avg: 1.495
With the regime change that came early last week, it was not surprising to see the Strikers fall in their final game. However, no one expected this poor of a showing, especially in a rivalry game. The Strikers really have their work cut out for them in the offseason to control the ball defensively and try to win at home more than once. The Strikers did have the toughest schedule though, because they played at their opponent’s best location…which unfortunately was Lockhart.
Power Rankings will be returning with the Fall Season in August. Till then keep your eye out for special features we will be having on the site to get prepared for act two of the 2013 NASL season.
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