The New York Cosmos will host Miami FC to open the 2017 NASL Fall Season on Saturday, July 29. If the results of the Spring Season are anything to go by, the matchup promises to be a close one. Two teams with great power in the attack and defense, New York and Miami have proven to be consistent in both aspects of the game.

The Cosmos, who closed out the Spring Season in third place (6W-6D-4L) after a 1-0 victory over FC Edmonton, look to establish themselves as front-runners for the 2017 Soccer Bowl. The mid-season break gave New York an opportunity to test themselves against one of La Liga's top sides, Valencia CF, in the first-ever international exhibition match at Regina's New Mosaic Stadium. The Cosmos came away with a 2-0 victory, courtesy of Eric Calvillo and Emmanuel Ledesma.

Ledesma, New York's top scorer with five goals, also leads the NASL in chances created (31). The Argentine's efforts have often been game-changers, leading the Cosmos to victory in difficult matchups.

The Cosmos defense is well-equipped with Ryan Richter, who played the most minutes for New York this season (1,386). Richter won all five of his tackles against Miami in the teams' last meeting and assisted Szetela's goal in the 2-0 victory at Riccardo Silva Stadium. The right back may cause the Spring Champions a lot of trouble in Saturday's game.

Miami FC took the Spring Season title with an 11-3-2 (W-D-L) record. The team played to a 3-1 win against the San Francisco Deltas, with the league's top scorer, Vincenzo Rennella, bagging a brace. Rennella, who leads the league in goals (10), assists (5), and shots (38), will be one to keep an eye on for the Cosmos' back line.

Former Cosmos defender, Hunter Freeman, is another key figure for Miami, having played every minute for the team this year. Freeman's experience and versatility allow him to not only keep the ball far from danger, but also to connect in the attack. He has delivered the third most passes in the NASL this year (1,042), with an accuracy of 86%.

The Cosmos have a 4-0-2 (W-D-L) record against Miami, outscoring the opposition 13-7. New York was one of two teams to stun Miami earlier this year, delivering a 2-0 defeat on April 8.

The action kicks off at MCU Park on Saturday, July 29 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.