Strikers Kick Off Three-Game Home Stand Against Atlanta on Saturday
Published on June 14, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-2-5, 8 points) head into a three-game home stand starting with the Atlanta Silverbacks (4-2-2, 14 points) on Saturday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET at historic Lockhart Stadium. The match comes the weekend before the Strikers welcome Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, one of the top teams in the Brazilian first division, to Lockhart. Fort Lauderdale will then wrap up the home stand on June 29 against the San Antonio Scorpions.
"We need to start turning our focus toward winning these next home games," said Strikers' head coach Daryl Shore. "We want to keep moving forward with our soccer. We are creating more chances, now we just have to be better about finishing them."
Heading into the match, the Strikers will be looking to bounce back from a last-second, 2-1 defeat in Minnesota on Saturday. Darnell King's individual effort gave the Strikers an early lead, but two second half goals by Pablo Campos, a penalty kick and an injury-time winner, kept the Strikers from continuing their climb up the NASL standings.
The Strikers hold a 1-2-1 (4 points) record at Lockhart this season, and will face a tough test against a Silverbacks side they were unable to best early in the year. After a first week bye, the Silverbacks opened their season against the Strikers at home on April 13, claiming a 2-0 victory at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The last time these two teams met at Lockhart Stadium, the Strikers defeated the Silverbacks 5-3 on July 28, 2012, with goals from Aly Hassan (2), Walter Restrepo, Mark Anderson and Paulo Jr.
Coached by Brian Haynes, the Silverbacks have started the season strong and currently occupy second place in the NASL standings, level on points with Minnesota United FC and just one point behind the league-leading Carolina RailHawks. The Silverbacks are also unbeaten in their last three NASL matches.
The game comes just days after a trade involving both clubs. Former Costa Rican international Andy Herron was sent to the Atlanta Silverbacks in exchange for 22 year-old forward and FIU alum Jahbari Willis. Both players are available for selection for their new squads for Saturday's matchup.
Saturday is also the Strikers' annual FYSA Night of Champions at Lockhart Stadium. At halftime, players from more than 100 teams located all around South Florida will be recognized on the field for their success in tournaments and league play during the 2012/2013 season. Every player will receive a special certificate recognizing their achievements. The players have been encouraged to wear their team's uniform shirt onto the field as well.
MATCH FACTS:
FTL went 1W-1T-2L against ATL in 2012
FTL is 2W-3T-4L all-time against ATL in NASL regular season matches
FTL is 1W-2T-1L at Lockhart against ATL in NASL regular season matches
Last meeting: April 13, 2013 ATL 2-1 FTL
North American Soccer League Stories from June 14, 2013
- FC Edmonton vs RailHawks - Match Preview - FC Edmonton
- Rowdies Update - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Restrepo Looks For Strong Spring Season Finish - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Strikers Kick Off Three-Game Home Stand Against Atlanta on Saturday - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Rowdies vs. Scorpions - Match Preview - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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