Fort Lauderdale Defeated in Carolina 3-0
Published on October 9, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Cary, NC- On a crisp autumn day in North Carolina the Fort Lauderdale Strikers were beaten 3-0 by the Carolina RailHawks in the final game of a three-game road trip. The loss marked Fort Lauderdale's fourth successive loss. The Strikers outshot Carolina 18-13 and put more chances on target but were unable to finish any of those opportunities.
Fort Lauderdale once again sported pink kits as part of the #DrivePink campaign In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The Strikers have partnered with AutoNation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the #DrivePink program.
The Strikers started the match on the front foot and drew a corner kick inside the first minute. Junior Sandoval found Dalton who sailed the ball over the crossbar. Minutes later Matt Fondy missed a great opportunity to put the RailHawks ahead when his shot beat Fort Lauderdale Goalkeeper Bruno but clanked off the far post.
In minute eight, Junior Sandoval tried his luck from distance but could not beat RailHawks keeper Brian Sylvestre. The busy first half for the Carolina keeper continued in minute 25 when he made two excellent saves from Strikers chances on frame. The first chance came from Bryan Arguez and the second from Sandoval, but the Carolina netminder dealt with both well.
Within a minute the RailHawks broke in front behind a classy finish from Austin da Luz after a Fort Lauderdale defensive breakdown. The Strikers had a great opportunity to equalize in minute 32 but Jose Angulo mistimed his far post run and could not cleanly connect with Paulo Jr/'s cross.
In minute 42 former Striker Brian Shriver doubled the lead with a wonderfully technical finish from a RailHawks free kick.
At halftime, Fort Lauderdale brought on Pascal Millien who helped create more space for the Strikers with his blistering pace. An injury to Maicon Santos in minute 64 forced a second Strikers change
Millien almost found himself on the scoresheet with an outstanding curling shot that was saved by Sylvestre in minute 76. Five minutes later, Bruno made a diving save on a well-placed Fondy shot to prevent the RailHawks for the time being increasing their lead. However less than a minute later Carolina got its third when Matt Watson belted a shot from distance and beat Bruno for his third goal of the campaign. Fort Lauderdale is now winless in five consecutive NASL matches.
Despite the defeat, Fort Lauderdale still remains in contention for the postseason. The Strikers travel back home to take on FC Edmonton on October 12. That match begins a three game homestand for Fort Lauderdale.
Notes:
* Manny Gonzalez made his 64th all-time appearance for the Strikers. That places him 8th all-time in the history of the club. * Geison Moura made his second start for the club at right back. He previously started the September 18 game at RayoOKC in the same position. * Bryan Arguez made his first start for the Strikers since August 20th against Ottawa. * Junior Sandoval made his second start for Fort Lauderdale. He was signed on September 23 after being released by Jacksonville. * Fort Lauderdale begins a three-game homestand on Wednesday against FC Edmonton at Central Broward Stadium. * Former Striker Brian Shriver scored for Carolina in the third successive match against Fort Lauderdale. * Pascal Millien has appeared in all four matches for the Strikers since signing on September 23.
Scoring Summary
1st 2nd FT
FTL 0 0 0
CAR 2 1 0
Scoring Summary
CAR: 25' da Luz (Fondy) CAR: 42' Shriver (Albadawi) CAR: 82' Watson
Stats FTL-CAR Shots: 18-13 Shots on Target: 7-5
North American Soccer League Stories from October 9, 2016
- RailHawks Blank Strikers in Dominant 3-0 Win - North Carolina FC
- Fort Lauderdale Defeated in Carolina 3-0 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0 - Miami FC
- Loons Draw in Puerto Rico - Minnesota United FC
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