Everything to Play for as Strikers Travel to Face Rowdies

September 25, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Fort Lauderdale, Fla (September 25, 2014) - The Strikers travel across the Sunshine State to face an old rival, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in a much-anticipated Florida Derby clash at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla. With just two points separating the sides in the NASL Combined Standings, both clubs have a great deal to play for as the chase for The Championship heats up.

Bragging rights are also at stake as the rivals compete for the Coastal Cup, the annual award given to the winner of the series between the sides. The Strikers have the edge in the series in 2014, and will take home the Cup for the first time with a win or draw Saturday. History is against the Strikers, who have failed to earn a single away point against Tampa Bay in seven attempts since 2011.

Fort Lauderdale returned to their winning ways last Saturday with a 2-1 victory against Indy Eleven at Lockhart Stadium. Fafà Picault took just 26 seconds to open the scoring - the fastest goal in the modern NASL era - while Martin Nuñez netted the game winner with his first goal of the Fall campaign. Both players earned spots on the NASL Team of the Week for their performances.

The Rowdies are without a win in three matches and have failed to score in their last two. Despite Tampa Bay's recent lack of form, fans can expect them to be at their best for Saturday's Florida Derby. The club holds an impressive 10-1-3 record in the series against the Strikers since 2011.

The game will be streamed online through ESPN3 as well as 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 either of the official hashtags of the match #TBRvFTL or #FloridaDerby, or mention us in a tweet to interact with the Strikers and share your thoughts before, during, and after the match.

Coach Kronsteiner- "With only six games remaining, every game is obviously very important. However, this match against Tampa Bay and our two remaining games against Carolina are the most crucial games. These games will go a long way towards determining the final spot in the Championship. Our team understands this and will be ready for this challenge on Saturday night."

Series history (W-T-L)

All-time (14 meetings): 3-1-10 (15 GF/ 31 GA; -16 GD)

at Tampa Bay (7 meeting): 0-0-7 (7 GF/ 21 GA; -14 GD)

Team news

Suspended: None

Injured: Rafael Alves (missed last two matches)

2014 Stat leaders

Goals: Fafà Picault (9)

Assists: Iván Guerrero, Darnell King (3)

Bus trip

Interested in catching the match live and in person? Strikers supporters Flight 19 are inviting fans to join them on a chartered bus trip. Travel packages are just $40 and include charter coach transport to and from St. Pete, game ticket and tailgate. Find out more information at http://www.flight-19.com/roadtrips/

Up next

The Strikers next home game is October 4 at Lockhart Stadium against Carolina RailHawks. Tickets to Strikers home games start at $12 in advance and can be purchased on www.Strikers.com/tickets or by calling 954-606-0400.



North American Soccer League Stories from September 25, 2014


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