The NASL Spring season in now officially in progress. Eight teams play in this seventh edition of the second-division competition. There are 34 matches with opportunities to take points in the standings, but what the standings can’t show is the value of individual matchups.
That’s where the power rankings come in. With so few teams participating this year, head-to-head results will provide an unparalleled view when determining the best of the best.
These are the first power rankings of the season — pretend that we had done them after Week 1. I have attempted to eliminate any bias from bye weeks but that is impossible. Teams with only one match under their belts have only been mildly penalized in the early going.
Power Rankings
1. Miami FC
This one is easy. After two matches, the South Beachers have the best record. That is not why they sit in first place on this list of power rankings. Miami FC is dangerous in the attack and they blanked the “returning” champs in thrilling 3-0 fashion. I have a feeling Miami will flirt with the top section of these rankings throughout the season. Nabbing points on the road and domination at home will earn respect in the NASL. That’s hardly a hot take.
2. Puerto Rico FC
Sleeper pick, but PRFC is most improved. They have made moves in the offseason, they have come out swinging and they have taken a point from each of their first two contests. Those matches happen to be against the Indy Eleven and the unfortunate New York Cosmos. Last year, Las Naranjas were the worst in the NASL. This year, they are already ahead of the curve, in form and expect results.
3. Jacksonville Armada FC
With a win in their home opener, one might be surprised to find NASL FC behind a winless team. I will use them as an example of how some of these rankings work. Their 1-0 victory is good for second in the standings, but the Eddies had a long way to Florida and they aren’t known for scoring bunches on the road anyway. Breaking down a road team with the emotional boost from a new home field isn’t worth as much as holding your own against Indy or NYC. They have been slightly penalized for having only one result against a mediocre team. Good three points to start though.
4. Indy Eleven
Indy have two draws and are ahead of PRFC with a tiebreaker in the league standings. There is no safety in these rankings. The boys in blue squandered a 2-0 lead at home and were lucky to salvage after giving up three unanswered goals. This season will be filled with interesting scheduling quirks. The Eleven have a chance to return the favor next week in Puerto Rico. They might be up and down in the rankings this year.
5. San Francisco Deltas
Welcome the league! The Triangles were happy with the point, but we haven’t seen enough to move them any higher up the power rankings. Both NCFC and SF Deltas are sitting on home draws. What moves them ahead? Simple. Being an expansion team is tough. They are not expected to do well and the entire organization is brand new. Carolina has been around since the beginning. Producing similar results to a well established team has a higher weighted score.
6. North Carolina FC
The Railhawks (change is hard) have played once. It was a draw at home to the current league leaders. That makes it difficult to judge just where they fit into the scheme. Carolina started off red hot last year and look what that got them. Maybe leaving something in the tank for back stretch is part of the plan for 2017. A lot of the attack is back so I don’t really think they belong this far down the list, but they will need more opportunities to impress.
7. FC Edmonton
They just don’t score enough. The defense will keep them in it, but I think a lot of teams have upgraded on the other side of the ball. With invigorated fan support at home, I expect Edmonton to be one of the toughest places to play in the NASL. That might get them out of the bottom 4 in the power rankings, but only just.
8. New York Cosmos of Brooklyn
HA HA! ZERO goals in 180 minutes. This is not the same team from November. Last year’s most proficient offensive team has failed to score both home and away. Cosmos 3.0 are clearly not the same team. Gio Savarese is still around and that is why I expected them to be in the top three, but I was wrong about that. Miami’s ranking was a piece of cake. This one is easier. Get in the basement, NYC of B.
Final thoughts: I am looking forward to a closely contested season. My hope is that the frequency of familiar matchups will spur an unprecedented level of competition. Rivalries will form. Fear will lead to anger, etc. This has the potential of being the most interesting American league. I am really hoping for a “playoff hockey” level of excitement and I don’t even watch hockey.
Teams will flip-flop and I will make every effort to note the shift in momentum, but these power rankings are just for fun. Feel free to let me know how I am doing and if you have any suggestions for updates. I will promptly disregard them, but this is America and I want you to feel free.
You can follow Soc Takes and Aaron on Twitter @SocTakes and @AGunyon.