Strikers Fall to Minnesota United FC 2-1
September 14, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were defeated by Minnesota United 2-1 in Blaine, Minnesota, losing some ground in the chase for The Championship. NASL's leading goal-scorer Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra scored to help Minnesota come from behind for the win.
The first 30 minutes of the match saw little action, as neither team was able to create scoring chances. That changed in the 31st minute as the Strikers were able to open up the scoring and take a 1-0 lead. Strikers midfielder James Marcelin crossed the ball to the top of the box where fellow midfielder Pecka one-timed the ball into the back of the net, past the hands of a diving Matt VanOekel.
Just seven minutes later, Ramirez was able to equalize the score he scored his 15th goal of the season off a set-piece. Kevin Venegas took the free-kick towards the goal and Ramirez was able to beat the Strikers defender, sending the ball into the back of the net.
Minnesota almost doubled its score in the 41st minute but Strikers goalkeeper Kamil Contofalsky was on point, stopping two consecutive shots from short range, and the teams went into the locker rooms tied at one.
Miguel Ibarra scored what would be the game-winning goal for Minnesota United in the 53rd minute when he dribbled around the Strikers defenders and took a long-range shot that found the net and gave the home team the 2-1 lead.
The Strikers thought they had the equalizer in the 66th minute when Mark Anderson headed the ball past VanOekel, but the referee called a foul on Anderson, negating the goal.
The Strikers tried to change things around in the 69th minute by bringing in forwards Yaikel Perez and Aly Hassan for Mark Anderson and Martin Nu�=B1ez respectively. But unfortunately, the visiting Strikers were unable to find that second goal.
The Strikers are currently in sixth place in the combined NASL standings, just 2 points behind fourth place Carolina Railhawks who jumped ahead of the Strikers with their win over San Antonio.
• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...
North American Soccer League Stories from September 14, 2014
- RailHawks Defeat League-Leading San Antonio - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Fall to Minnesota United FC 2-1 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Cosmos Defeat Atlanta 3-2 at Home - New York Cosmos
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
