The field for the 2015 NASL Soccer Bowl playoffs is set after the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers knocked out the Rowdies by defeating the Jacksonville Armada 1-0 today in Jacksonville. They now go up to Coney Island to take on the Cosmos next week at 2PM ET. The Cosmos and Strikers have formed a rivalry that extends even back to the original NASL, when they competed with some of the world's top players. Now, both teams sit in the playoffs for the Soccer Bowl, The Cosmos defeated the Strikers in their first match of the season way back in April 1-0 thanks to a goal from Leo Fernandes. In their second meeting of the season on August 2, the Cosmos defeated the Strikers 2-0 thanks to goals from Hunter Freeman and Leo Fernandes. Just 6 days later, however, the Strikers and Cosmos drew 3-3 at Lockhart Stadium with the Strikers leading 1-0 after halftime with a goal from Gabriel. After a Ramirez brace, the Cosmos struck back with a vengeance, ultimately with Guenzatti scoring the game-tying goal in the 90th minute.
Prediction: NY 2-1 FTL
The offering on Sunday is the Ottawa Fury hosting Minnesota United. For Minnesota, it was the case of no Ibarra, no problem. Ottawa was the surprise package this season, tying the Cosmos on points after the season was complete. The head-to-head matchups featuring Ottawa and Minnesota have been entertaining, with the April 18 match at TD Place finishing 1-0 to the Fury thanks to a goal from Tom Heinemann. In their second meeting, this tome in Minnesota, the Fury and United drew 1-1, thanks to goals from Christian Ramirez and Tom Heinemann. That game did get a little nasty at the end there as there were 2 yellow cards issued to Minnesota in the last few minutes. Their final regular season encounter took place at TD Place where this time it was Minnesota United taking the victory away from home 2-1, thanks to a 90th minute goal from Ramirez.
Prediction: OTT 1-1 MIN (2-4)
Final Prediction: NY 2-1 MIN aet
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