Strikers Take Early Lead, But Fall in Stoppage Time to United FC
Published on June 8, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-2-5, 8 points) were unable to capitalize on an early lead on the road and end up falling to Minnesota United FC (4-2-3, 14 points) 2-1 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn on Saturday night. Strikers' forward Darnell King scored the opening goal before United FC's Pablo Campos scored twice in the second half including the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
"We're disappointed with the result and ourselves for letting this game slip away. We don't and won't make excuses and we have to learn from this," said Strikers' head coach Daryl Shore.
The Strikers took the early lead on United FC when Darnell King was able to deflect a clearance attempt from United FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel in the 10th minute and scored from yards away on the open net.
Both sides traded several scoring chances following the Strikers' goal with United FC getting a barrage in the 34th minute that ended without a clean shot on net.
Fort Lauderdale thought they had a golden chance in the 36th minute when Jemal Johnson was played through and crossed to a wide open Darnell King, but the play was called back for being offside.
Pablo Campos equalized for United FC in the 57th minute on a penalty kick, as his shot went off the crossbar and into the goal. The Strikers' Scott Gordon was called for a handball in the penalty area to draw the foul.
In the 64th minute, Hosman Ramos made an excellent run into the box, but his shot was right at VanOekel who made the save.
The Strikers were able to put several shots on goal in the second half. In the 70th minute, Pecka played a pass to Johnson who was able to shoot toward the near post with VanOekel once again making the save.
Pablo Campos scored the game-winning goal in second half stoppage time for United FC. Simone Bracalello played a cross following a corner kick attempt that Campos headed after the ball went over Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser and behind the Strikers defense.
The Strikers return home to face the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday, June 15 at historic Lockhart Stadium. Tickets are available online at www.strikers.com or by calling the Strikers' ticket office at 954-606-0400.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 8, 2013
- Minnesota United wins 2-1 in scintillating fashion - Minnesota United FC
- Strikers Take Early Lead, But Fall in Stoppage Time to United FC - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Dramatic RailHawks Win Steals NASL Top Spot - NASL
- RailHawks Capture Dramatic 2-1 Victory over Tampa Bay - North Carolina FC
- Down to 10-men again, Eddies fight back for a 1-1 draw - FC Edmonton
- Silverbacks and FC Edmonton Play to 1-1 Draw - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Rowdies Lose for the First Time on the Road this Season at Carolina - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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