North Carolina FC began their 2017 campaign at home when they hosted Miami FC nearly two weeks ago. The early, fast-paced action lived up to the preseason offensive expectations for both teams. NCFC newcomer, Lance Laing, was acquired to offer speed and playmaking from the left wing, and Laing delivered in the fourth minute when he found Matt Fondy on a long cross, which Fondy one-timed past Miami’s goalkeeper. Miami countered a few minutes later with a goal that resembled an unlucky game of pinball for NCFC.

Though the game saw no more goals, both teams relentlessly fought back and forth, and combined for twenty-two shot attempts. If not for Laing’s injury late in the first half, NCFC could have had the firepower needed to find one more goal.

Though NCFC’s draw against the visiting Miami FC seemed a little unfulfilling, Miami surged on to Week Two, defeating New York Cosmos 3:0 in New York, a place the Cosmos were undefeated all of 2016. Miami FC’s offensive capabilities and improved defense should make them a playoff contender this season, and some are pegging them to run away with the league, so that draw already looks better in hindsight. NCFC will try to take care of unfinished business when they get to host Miami FC at WakeMed again later this Spring.

Crazy NASL is Crazy

Do not let the scores over the first two weeks fool you into thinking that this is typical NASL parity. If the early 2017 NASL Spring Season has taught us anything, it is that up is down, left is right, cats and dogs are now getting along, and that 2016 was a long time ago.

Here are my top three surprises so far:

New York Cosmos have ZERO shots on goal. After two games, the Cosmos have been outshot 14 to 26, and they have yet to put one on target. After leading the NASL in goals last year, they are defiantly missing the loss of their top seven goal scorers from only a season ago. The Cosmos do have company though, with FC Edmonton also rocking the 0% shot accuracy stat line. Jacksonville Armada is not in last place! After having a Week One bye, Jacksonville capitalized on their home opener, beating FC Edmonton 1:0. FC Edmonton prides themselves on defense, but a lack of any real attack of their own allowed Jacksonville to have almost 60% possession, which was enough for Armada to create the one fruitful offensive break they needed. Jacksonville’s three points were good enough to vault them to second place, much in thanks to a rash of draws across the league to start the season. For them, a nice break from being an NASL bottom feeder. Indy Eleven’s Home Unbeaten Streak in Jeopardy. Chalking up their eighteenth home game in a row without a loss, Indy Eleven eeked out a 3:3 comeback draw against Puerto Rico FC last week. Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed, and Ben Speas look like a dynamic offensive trio for Indy Eleven, but their 2016 success was also due to their unyielding defense. PRFC’s three goals were the most Indy has allowed at home in over a year, which may be a sign of some defensive regression.

Hungry for a San Francisco Treat

Taking a week off this past weekend, North Carolina FC focused on healing up their banged-up playmakers Laing (concussion) and Shipalane (leg). The extra rest should also be helpful in preparing the boys in blue for the cross-country trip to California to take on the NASL’s newest expansion team, San Francisco Deltas.

NCFC showed a lot of potential in their last match against Miami FC, not only creating ample scoring threats, but also withstanding Miami’s relentless attack with a stout defensive effort.

Meanwhile, San Francisco have also enjoyed a week off to prepare for Saturday’s matchup, and will look to continue a respectable start after drawing Indy Eleven 1:1 in their first ever match in franchise history. The Deltas had jumped out to 1:0 lead on a Kyle Becker outside-the-foot one-time shot right before half time. Ultimately, Indy’s quality caught up with the Deltas, and Tanner Thompson brought the Eleven level, which held up until the final whistle.

The Deltas have the tools to be successful in their first year in the NASL, having picked up quality veterans to join in their inaugural campaign.

In goal, the Deltas acquired the 2015 Golden Glove winner Romuald Peiser, who was integral in leading the Ottawa Fury to the NASL Championship in 2015.

The spine of the Deltas team will be veterans Nana Attakora (D/M), Danny Cruz (M/F), and Tommy Heinemann (F). Attakora has seven years of experience in MLS, and was an anchor in defense for Fort Lauderdale in 2016. Cruz also has seven years of experience in the MLS, and was a midfield playmaker for a dynamic Minnesota offense in 2016. Heinemann, a former RailHawk back in 2010, has netted 24 goals across four years in the NASL, which was interrupted with three years in the MLS after he left the RailHawks.