Fort Lauderdale Drops 2-0 Decision to New York
Published on October 2, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
HEMPSTEAD, NY (Sunday) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers dropped a hard fought match 2-0 to the first place New York Cosmos at James Shuart Stadium. The Strikers have now lost three straight matches but sit just four points outside the fourth and final NASL postseason spot. Fort Lauderdale sported pink kits for the match 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.
Fort Lauderdale had an opportunity to open the scoring within minutes when Victor Pineda found himself in a pocket of space unmarked in the New York area. Pineda looped his header over the crossbar. In Minute 11, Geison was in on goal one on one with Cosmos keeper Jimmy Maurer but shot wide of the net from a tight angle. The Strikers continued to apply pressure as Cross from Geison was punched away by Maurer at the last second in minute 36 and in first half stoppage time an exciting attacking move that began with Julius James playing a long ball to Pineda ended with Paulo Jr. missing the target from inside 10 yards away.
The second half saw Fort Lauderdale create one good early chance, when Amauri was in one-on-one with Maurer but put his shot wide of the near post in minute 49. From that point forward the chances began falling to the Cosmos. Ruben Bover spectacularly finished a slick attack move from the Cosmos in minute 57. From that point forward New York controlled the action and limited Fort Lauderdale's forays forward. Some excellent last-ditch defending from the Strikers back four prevented the Cosmos from doubling their lead until minute 86 when Andres Flores took a Lucky Mkosana cross and slotted it home to seal the victory for New York.
Despite the loss, Fort Lauderdale still remains in contention for the postseason. The Strikers travel to Cary, NC to take on the Carolina RailHawks on October 8, before beginning a three-game homestand on October 12 against FC Edmonton.
North American Soccer League Stories from October 2, 2016
- Match Recap: Carolina Draws 1-1 at Rayo OKC in the Final Seconds of Added Time - North Carolina FC
- Fisk Lifts FC Edmonton to 2-1 Win over Indy Eleven with Stoppage Time Stunner - FC Edmonton
- Fort Lauderdale Drops 2-0 Decision to New York - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NASL RECAP: Indy Eleven Falls to Late FC Edmonton Goal in 2-1 Loss at Clarke Field - Indy Eleven
- Armada Win Milestone Victory over Minnesota United in Dramatic Fashion - Jacksonville Armada FC
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