Strikers Return to Historic Lockhart Stadium to Face Rowdies Saturday
Published on April 25, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 25, 2013) - After failing to earn a result despite taking an early lead on the road in Cary, N.C., Saturday night, Fort Lauderdale (0-1-2, 1 point) returns to South Florida for two consecutive home games at historic Lockhart Stadium starting this Saturday night against the rival Tampa Bay Rowdies (1-1-1, 4 points). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. as the Strikers look for a victory to draw even on points with the defending champion Rowdies.
"The way the schedule works you have to win your home games and then try to get points on the road," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "Obviously, we're not pleased we came away from our first two road games without points, but we feel we played well in both games and now we're looking forward to playing in front of our home fans."
The Strikers fell 3-1 to the Carolina RailHawks late Saturday night, leaving Fort Lauderdale tied with San Antonio and Edmonton who each have one point in the NASL standings. Strikers' winger Jemal Johnson scored the game's opening goal in just the 11th minute of action, but it wouldn't stand up as the RailHawks recorded three goals to maintain their unbeaten record against the Strikers at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Fort Lauderdale opened the 2013 season with a 1-1 draw against FC Edmonton in front of 5,201 fans in their last match at historic Lockhart Stadium. Midfielder David Foley, making his first start for the Strikers, scored the tying goal in the 73rd minute of the match to earn the result for Fort Lauderdale.
In the regular season, Fort Lauderdale is 1-4-7 all-time against Tampa Bay, with the Strikers recording one win and one loss against the Rowdies at Lockhart Stadium in 2012. Tampa Bay is coached by Ricky Hill with Luke Mulholland leading the team in scoring with two goals and two assists on the season. Their win came on April 13, beating the Scorpions 2-0 on the night San Antonio opened Toyota Field.
The Strikers will continue their homestand on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. against Minnesota United FC.
MATCH FACTS:
FTL went 1W-0T-3L against TBR in 2012
FTL is 1W-4T-7L all-time against TBR
FTL's first open date will be the weekend of May 4
Last meeting: Sept. 1, 2012 FTL 0 - 3 TBR
NEXT UP
The Strikers return to historic Lockhart Stadium on May 11 for a match against Minnesota United FC. For all game information and times of matches, visit Strikers.com. Follow the Strikers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 25, 2013
- MN United FC Travels to Atlanta for First Road Test - Minnesota United FC
- Strikers Return to Historic Lockhart Stadium to Face Rowdies Saturday - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Eddies Lose a Heartbreaker against Vancouver Whitecaps FC - FC Edmonton
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