It is officially the offseason and the NASL wrapped up the entire season in a video of highlights and player interviews featuring a player from each team, including RailHawks’ 2012 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, Nick Zimmerman.

The 2012 NASL Season closed out in dramatic fashion with the Tampa Bay Rowdies defeating the Minnesota Stars in a penalty shootout to claim the 2012 NASL Championship after winning the second leg, 3-1 (highlights here). The Stars had a two goal advantage coming into the second leg of the Championship Series, but the Rowdies managed to tie up the aggregate score to force penalty kicks and take home the Soccer Bowl.

Although the NASL season is over, there is still plenty of soccer action to take place at WakeMed Soccer Park this year, including the ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament this weekend.  Semifinals will take place on Friday evening with the Championship game on Sunday at 1p.m.

Major League Soccer playoffs began this week. Last night, former RailHawks Head Coach Martin Rennie and former RailHawks players led the Vancouver Whitecaps against LA Galaxy in the Western Conference Playoffs. The ‘Caps fell 2-1 late in the game, but not without a strong showing by goalkeeper Brad Knighton and midfielder Matt Watson, both who starred for the RailHawks in 2011.

Chicago Fire midfielder, Daniel Paladini, part of the 2010 RailHawks squad, also saw action in MLS Playoffs on Wednesday night but fell short as the Chicago Fire lost to Houston Dynamo, by a score of 2-1.

Look forward in the NASL, the league just announced that the Board of Governors have approved an agreement for the Minnesota Stars. The agreement with a Minnesota-based owner will allow the Stars to compete in 2013.

Also, it seems as through the rumors are growing stronger and Loudon County Virginia will be the next NASL team announced.

RailHawks fans already have a lot to look forward to for the 2013 season as the New WakeMed Soccer Park renovations are almost finished and will provide some of the best views in professional soccer.

Lastly, but definitely not least, good news for all soccer fans as NBC Universal just announced a deal with the English Premier League to be the exclusive broadcaster of all 380 EPL matches next season.