Strikers Earn Home Draw against Carolina to Remain in Title Hunt
Published on June 1, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-2-4, 8 points) and Carolina RailHawks (3-3-1, 12 points) traded more than just goals on their way to a 1-1 draw at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday night. Both sides finished with 10 men after the Strikers' Carlos Salazar and Carolina's Kevin Rutkiewicz were sent off in the second half with straight red card fouls. The Strikers have earned points in consecutive matches and remain in contention for the NASL's Spring Championship.
"I believe we gave them too much respect," Strikers head coach Daryl Shore said. "The positive is we didn't lose, the negative we didn't win and a 1-1 tie it seems to be a fair result."
After a strong first half performance, Scott Gordon opened the scoring for the Strikers in the 37th minute of the match, heading home a free kick from Manny Gonzalez. It was Gordon's second goal of the year and ties him for the team lead with forward David Foley.
"First half we were very disappointing and we didn't play well, the Strikers were a lot better than us and they wanted it more," said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. "In the second half we came out much better, but it could have gone either way."
The match changed dramatically in the 59th minute when the Strikers' Carlos Salazar was sent off for a challenge on Eddie Ababio. Just five minutes later the visitors had defender Kevin Rutkiewicz dismissed for a hard tackle from behind on Darnell King.
Down a goal, the RailHawks brought on attacking player Cesar Elizondo as they searched for an equalizer. The breakthrough finally came in the 81st minute of the match when a Ty Shipalane through ball found the feet of Brian Shriver in the box. The former Fort Lauderdale Striker scored the equalizing goal against Jeff Attinella from close range to rescue a vital point on the road for the RailHawks.
The Strikers brought on attackers Jemal Johnson and Hosman Ramos late in the match in search of a game winning goal. Walter Restrepo and Aly Hassan came the closest, but in the end neither team could come up with the go ahead goal.
Next, the Strikers travel north to face Minnesota United FC on Saturday, June 8 at 8:30 p.m. and return to historic Lockhart Stadium on June 15 to battle the Atlanta Silverbacks. Tickets for all Strikers home games may be purchased online at Strikers.com or by calling the Strikers' ticket office at 954-606-0400. Follow the Strikers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 1, 2013
- NASL Week 9 Saturday Summary - NASL
- Minnesota United FC Fall 2-0 to San Antonio - Minnesota United FC
- Scorpions Top Minnesota, 2-0 - San Antonio Scorpions
- Strikers Earn Home Draw against Carolina to Remain in Title Hunt - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Draw in Tense Game with Strikers in Florida - North Carolina FC
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