Strikers Host FC Edmonton in Key Battle for Final Spot in League Championship
October 24, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL) - Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla (October 24, 2014) - A spot in The Championship is on the line this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers face FC Edmonton, who are hot on their heels for the final spot in the Championship. The Strikers hold a two-point cushion over both Edmonton and the Carolina RailHawks as the three sides chase the only remaining spot in the NASL's four-team postseason tournament.
The Strikers control their own destiny, occupying the coveted fourth spot in the Combined Standings with just two matches left to play, both at Lockhart. A pair of wins would guarantee Fort Lauderdale a spot in The Championship.
Should the Carolina RailHawks fail to defeat Atlanta this Saturday night, the last remaining spot in The Championship can be clinched by the Strikers with a win over Edmonton. Any other combination of results ensures that the fourth seed will be determined on the final weekend of the season.
Last Saturday night, the Strikers played to a 1-1 draw on the road against the RailHawks, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches and maintaining a two-point cushion in the standings. FC Edmonton closed the gap with a victory over fellow Canadian side Ottawa Fury FC, moving level on points with the RailHawks.
If the Strikers are hot, FC Edmonton is on fire. Following a ninth-place finish in the Spring, the Eddies have completely reversed their fortunes in the Fall, recording just one defeat in their last ten matches. The club heads into Saturday's encounter riding a six-game unbeaten streak.
While history favors a Strikers' victory, both sides will be up to the task.
The game will be streamed online through NASLLive.com. Fans can subscribe to the service to watch every game in the Fall season. You can also follow the action on Twitter at @FTLStrikers. Use the official hashtag of the match #FTLvFCE, or mention us in a tweet to interact with the Strikers and share your thoughts before, during, and after the match.
Coach Kronsteiner- "We came out of our three game road trip with a win and two draws, so we are where we want to be with two home matches left on the schedule. We control the fourth position in the standings, but we know we must continue to win in order to accomplish our goal of playing in the Championship. Edmonton is a very strong team, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. Both teams know what's a stake. Our team will be ready for the challenge. We will have to play our best in order to come out of this game on top."
Series history (W-T-L)
All-time (15 meetings): 7-5-3 (24 GF/ 13 GA; +11 GD)
at home (7 meetings): 4-2-1 (13 GF/ 4 GA; -9 GD)
Team news
Suspended: None
Injured: Stephane Guillaume (missed last three matches)
2014 Stat leaders
Goals: Fafà Picault (12)
Assists: Shawn Chin (5)
Join us in our #PushForThePlayoffs: tickets start at $12 in advance and can be purchased on www.Strikers.com/tickets or by calling 954-606-0400
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North American Soccer League Stories from October 24, 2014
- Strikers Host FC Edmonton in Key Battle for Final Spot in League Championship - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks at Atlanta Silverbacks - North Carolina FC
- Minnesota United Look to Extend Home Unbeaten Streak to Fourteen - Minnesota United FC
- Match Preview: San Antonio Scorpions at Minnesota United FC - San Antonio Scorpions
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