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Strikers Make First Trip to Atlanta to Face Silverbacks

August 2, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL) Fort Lauderdale Strikers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Aug 2, 2012) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (7W-6T-7L) play against the Atlanta Silverbacks (3W-5T-11L) a second consecutive week on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Silverbacks Park with kick off set for 7:30p.m. EDT. This is the third meeting of the season and the first away from Lockhart for the Strikers who earned a win and a draw from the first two games this season. The Strikers are in fourth place in the NASL Standings, four points behind Puerto Rico and one point ahead of Minnesota Stars FC.

"We obviously know Atlanta well having played them last week," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "We've got to fix some defensive leaks we had last week. I think offensively we're playing pretty well and we have to focus on the positives from the last couple of games. We know this is an important game for our mentality and knowing that we need to start winning some games on the road. Our intention is to go up there and come back with three points."

With four home games remaining on Fort Lauderdale's schedule, the Strikers equaled their home win total of six from last season after their victory against Atlanta last Saturday. The Strikers have one road victory in 2012, coming against Minnesota on July 18. With eight games remaining on the schedule, the Strikers have four at home and four on the road.

Fort Lauderdale went 3W-2T-3L in their final eight games last season picking up 11 points on their way to finishing fourth in the NASL. The same result this season would see the team finish with the same point total. The Strikers turned their fourth place finish into an eventual berth in the NASL Championship Series.

Forward Andy Herron, who was serving a one game suspension last week, will be back in the lineup for the Strikers. Herron is second on the team with seven goals this season. Last week against Atlanta, midfielder Mark Anderson extended his team lead to 10 goals on the season. Anderson is second in the NASL behind Pablo Campos of San Antonio.

The Silverbacks, who are 2-0-3 under head coach Eric Wynalda, are led by forward Matt Horth. Horth had a goal and an assist against the Strikers last week. The new-look Silverbacks scored three goals for the first time since April 28.

The Strikers will be without forward Paulo Araujo Jr., whose loan was recalled by Real Salt Lake.

NEXT GAME - Strikers Jersey Night

The Strikers have announced a special offer for fans on Saturday, Aug. 11, against the Carolina RailHawks. Until Friday, Aug. 10, fans can purchase a ticket to the match and a 2012 Strikers Primary or Alternate Jersey starting at $30. At the $30 level, fans receive a General Admission ticket and any size Strikers Jersey. For $35, fans receive a Reserved ticket along with the Jersey of their choice.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for the Carolina match can still take advantage of the special offer. Fans who wish to only receive the jersey can donate the ticket to the Strikers' Kicks for Kids charity program benefiting disadvantaged youth in South Florida.

Again, the offer is valid only through Aug. 10 and must be purchased in advance by calling (954)606-0400. Primary and Alternate jerseys are available from Youth Small to Adult XXL, while supplies last.

Contact info@strikers.com or call (954)606-0400 for more information. Follow the Strikers on twitter @FTLStrikers and like us on Facebook to get the latest news and updates from South Florida's professional soccer team. All Strikers NASL matches are streamed live on www.strikers.com/live.

INJURIES/OUT

- Strikers defender Lance Laing is working back toward full match fitness and will likely be a reserve for the match following an ankle injury.

- Midfielder Polo Morales (tib/fib fracture) is out for the remainder of the season.

MATCH FACTS

- The Strikers are 1W-1T-0L against the Silverbacks this season

- The Strikers are 9W-4T-3L all-time against Atlanta

- Walter Restrepo leads the league in assists (8)

- Matt Glaeser is second in the NASL in saves (78)

- Matt Glaeser has played every minute so far this season (1800)

- Mark Anderson leads the league in shots (64)

- Mark Anderson is second in the NASL in goals (10)

- Andy Herron is fourth in the NASL in goals (7)

2012 STAT LEADERS

Goals: Mark Anderson (10)

Assists: Walter Restrepo (8)

Shots: Mark Anderson (64)

Yellow cards: Toni St=E5hl (5)

Red cards: Toni St=E5hl (2)

Saves: Matt Glaeser (78)

GAA: Matt Glaeser (1.70)

Minutes: Matt Glaeser (1800)

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 2, 2012


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