The NASL's decision to go with a split season format in 2013 was one that surprised many and drew skepticism and criticism from others in American soccer circles. To hear the NASL's top brass tell it, the change in format was brought about to generate excitement and lend more relevance to every game played, while detractors would be quick to point out that such a shift was probably facilitated by the fact that the New York Cosmos would not be ready to play until the Fall of 2013 and that the league scarcely wanted to wait until 2014 to see its perceived crown jewel take the field.
Regardless of whatever the reasons were for this season's new format, and indeed there is likely a myriad of reasons attached to it, there can be little doubt that the 2013 Spring Season has come to a zenith that NASL commissioner Bill Peterson could have only dreamed about in his wildest of dreams. With the Spring Season coming to a close tomorrow with Atlanta, Carolina and San Antonio still alive in the championship race, the NASL is sure to have some Independence Day fireworks of their own before the night is out.
Minnesota v. Atlanta
If not for Minnesota's disappointing 3-1 defeat at Edmonton on Sunday, we would currently be talking about a four team race for the Spring title on the final day. As it is, Minnesota has been relegated to playing the role of spoiler for Atlanta's own last gasp aspirations.
With Carolina snatching a late goal to salvage a draw against Atlanta this past weekend, Atlanta's title chances aren't as clear cut as they might have been otherwise. As it stands, Atlanta, in their most likely championship scenario, will have to win while also needing Carolina to lose in their pivotal game at San Antonio. Should Carolina draw, Atlanta would need a resounding win over Minnesota to overturn a goal difference disadvantage.
Center back Beto Navarro will miss out thanks to his late red card against Carolina, but with Bobby Reiss having performed admirably against Carolina and garnering a spot in the NASL's team of the week, there is plenty of reason for Atlanta fans to think that all will be well in the back. Otherwise, Brian Haynes and the Silverbacks should have all hands on deck for what looks to be the most important game in Atlanta's history.
San Antonio v. Carolina
It was only a few weeks ago that San Antonio, who had done so well in 2012, looked to be dead in the water in the NASL. They were rooted to the foot of the table on five points, well adrift from the likes of Atlanta and Carolina at the top, and had just turned into as toothless of a performance in Atlanta as one could envision. Some sections of San Antonio fans were even calling for Tim Hankinson's dismissal.
Oh, but what a difference a few good weeks can make. The Scorpions are now in with a chance on the final day of the Spring Season, and in coming off of a 4-1 thrashing of Ft. Lauderdale on the road, their confidence is surely at its highest ebb of the season. With Hans Denissen providing the goals that were so lacking for San Antonio in the earlier stages of this Spring term, there is no secret to what has been behind San Antonio's upturn in fortunes.
San Antonio will need an Atlanta loss and a win by three goals or more over Carolina to claim silverware. While it's not the most likely of scenarios, I wouldn't exactly rule it out, either.
Of the three contenders, Carolina has the easiest potential path to the Spring trophy: one last win. Carolina does have some injury problems of their own to deal with, especially in the forms of Julius James and Ty Shipalane, but there is enough depth in Colin Clarke's squad to lead to such enforced omissions being little more than an inconvenience as opposed a detriment. In Shipalane's place against Atlanta, Cesar Elizondo looked every bit as dangerous as his South African colleague.
All to play for
Indeed, if only by chance, the NASL's split season format has resulted in as much drama and intrigue as one could ever expect on the final day of a season. Regardless of the leagues or clubs one may follow, it would be a bit of a disservice to not tune in to the live streams on NASL.com and watch all of the drama unfold from both Minnesota and San Antonio. There may just be another twist in the plot yet before the final whistles blow.
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