Fort Lauderdale Strikes Late to Defeat Miami FC 2-0
August 14, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
MIAMI, Fla.- The Fort Lauderdale Strikers endured a three hour 59 minute weather delay which was first incurred before teams warmed up, to defeat local rivals Miami FC 2-0 at FIU Stadium, early Sunday morning local time. Fort Lauderdale benefited from late second half goals from Paulo Jr and debutant Amauri to claim all three points. The Strikers put in an outstanding defensive effort holding Miami FC without a single shot on target in the match.
The two previous matches between these clubs had ended in a 1-1 draw with Miami FC scoring early goals in both meetings. However, in this matchup the Strikers started on the front foot creating several chances in the first twenty minutes before both sides started slowing down for the remainder of the first half. The Strikers backline held steady throughout the proceedings as Dalton and Captain Gale Agbossoumonde renewed a successful central defensive partnership that saw Fort Lauderdale surge up the table toward the end of the NASL Spring Season.
The second half was tightly balanced affair until former Italian National Team forward Amauri who was making his Strikers debut after signing with the club earlier this week, entered proceedings in minute 76. Fort Lauderdale struck first with Paulo Jr. scoring a wonder goal on an assist from Bryan Arguez in minute 84. Miami FC midfielder Wilson Palacios attempted to shield the ball after Arguez's service made its way into the area but Paulo Jr. toe-poked it past Miami netminder Daniel Vega for the initial goal of the game.
Two minutes later, Amauri sealed the victory for the Strikers with a sublime finish after an outstanding counter-attacking run by Jose Angulo. Fort Lauderdale saw out the remaining minutes of the match and left 2-0 victors.
The Strikers continue their Florida tour with a midweek fixture away to Jacksonville Armada FC on Wednesday, August 17. The match will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network.
A new era begins for the Strikers on Saturday, August 20, when the club kicks off the first match of their new home at Central Broward Stadium against Ottawa Fury FC. Tickets are on sale now at Strikers.com.
Scoring Summary
1st 2nd FT
MIA 0 0 0
FTL 0 2 2
FTL - Paulo Jr. (assisted by Bryan Arguez) - 84' FTL - Amauri (Jose Angulo) - 86'
Lineups Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-2-3-1) - Bruno; Attakora, Agbossoumonde (C), Dalton, Corrales; Gonzalez, Luis Felipe; Geison Moura (Amauri 76'), Adrianinho (Arguez 68'), Paulo Jr. (Pineda 90'); Angulo
Unused Substitutes: Restrepo, Kleberson, Blandon, Zapata, Pineda
Miami FC (4-4-2) - Vega; Borrajo (C) (Pablo Campos 88'), Bernstein, Trafford, Farfan; Palacios, Smith, Steele, Poku; Martinez, Cvitanich (Dennis 54')
Unused Substitutes: Evers, Adailton, Baggio, Leroux, Rezende
Booking Summary FTL - Corrales (caution) - 38th minute MIA - Palacios (caution) - 57' MIA - Steele (caution) - 59'
North American Soccer League Stories from August 14, 2016
- Ameobi Strikes Again as Eddies Win Fourth Straight Match - FC Edmonton
- Indy Eleven Finds Another Late Winner to Extend Home Winning Streak - NASL
- Fort Lauderdale Strikes Late to Defeat Miami FC 2-0 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Following Weather Delay, the Miami FC Falls 2-0 to Strikers - Miami FC
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